THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: UDF has begun preparations for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. It has been agreed to form UDF election committees in all parliamentary constituencies before January 31. UDF convener MM Hassan said in a press conference that the committees will be formed at the assembly level by February 10, at the mandalam level by February 20 and at the booth level before March 5.

"On January 25, 29, 30, 31 and February 1, bilateral and seat-sharing preliminary discussions will be held with the constituent parties in the front. Leadership meetings from parliamentary constituency committees to assembly and booth committees will also be held. Muslim League has not officially demanded additional seats till now. Congress is ready to compromise but not ready to fall. No party has demanded the expansion of the front," Hassan said.

"The difficulties faced by the pilgrims in Sabarimala were discussed during the meeting. Several pilgrims are forced to return without getting a darshan even after waiting for around 18 hours. This time, no effective meetings were held under the leadership of the Chief Minister or Devaswom Minister to make arrangements in Sabarimala. Inexperienced police officers were assigned there. The police are treating the devotees from other states in a rude manner. Experienced policemen should be deployed urgently to facilitate darshan. The price of goods should not be hiked in Supplyco at a time when people are in distress due to price hikes. Without burdening consumers, subsidies should be increased to overcome price hikes," he added.

Rahul's arrest is political revenge
Hassan alleged that the arrest of Youth Congress state president Rahul Mamkootathil was a political revenge.

"The police arrested Rahul in the wee hours of Tuesday by surrounding his house. Rahul was arrested in such a way as per the direct instructions of the Chief Minister. Intolerance towards the criticisms raised by Rahul against the CM in television channel discussions was behind the arrest. Youth Congress activists have been brutally oppressed since the Nava Kerala Sadas. 256 cases have been registered against UDF activists for black flag protests and other protests," Hassan said.