THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The efforts of the Congress to stop the pro-CPM approach of the League leaders started with bilateral talks. Last day K. Sudhakaran and V.D Satheesan also had a special exchange of ideas with the League leaders in Panakkad. Later, the League announced a strike against the government and sent a message that the negotiations were fruitful.

The Congress announcement to hold a Palestine solidarity rally is also to weaken the CPM's political moves. Assessing that the ideological unity of the League helped the rally, the CPM also moved to woo the disaffected members of the Congress. The party was also able to answer the CPM's allegation that Congress does not have a clear stand on the Palestine issue. Aryadan Shaukath is also continuing to move to resolve the matter amicably. The leaders believe that the declaration of strike by both parties is a response to the accusations of other parties in the UDF that the League and the Congress are not protesting on common issues.

The Congress leadership was worried that things would go in the same direction as the Kerala Congress-M from the UDF to the CPM. Sensing the danger of League-Left cooperation on the same platform, the leaders initiated urgent talks as the Lok Sabha elections approached. It is also noteworthy that Shashi Tharoor who made anti-Hamas remarks at the League rally, came out in support of Aryadan Shaukat who held a Palestine solidarity rally.

Although the League has been able to withdraw from Left cooperation for the time being, the shift of influential community organizations like Samasta to the Left has upset the UDF. The Congress is also suspicious of the CPM's decision to continue to cooperate with the League on public issues.

The Congress reorganization problems have grown to the point where the CPM can take advantage. It is a challenge for the party that scattered groups are gaining strength in some places and starting parallel activities.