THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Muslim League has intensified its demand for a third seat in the Lok Sabha. League General Secretary Kunhalikutty told the media that this time, the party is adamant about its demand for a third seat in the state. He also said that the party would discuss the matter seriously after Sadiq Ali Thangal returns from abroad.

In addition to the existing Malappuram and Ponnani seats, the League is demanding another seat in the Malabar region. The party has its eyes on one among the Vadakara, Kasaragod and Kannur seats. The party is also eyeing Wayanad if Rahul Gandhi does not intend to contest from there this time.

Meanwhile, it is reported that the League is worried that the Congress may take over its sitting seat Ponnani. It is believed that they are putting forward the demand for a third seat to prevent this. This might be the reason behind the League showing adamance in its demand for the third seat.

On the other hand, Congress is unlikely to accept the League's demand for a third seat. However, it won't try to upset the League for the time being by saying this publicly. Congress leaders, including K Sudhakaran, responded with great restraint when the League put forward the demand for the third seat in the preliminary meeting. The Congress is well aware that it won't be a good decision to upset the League, the second-largest constituent party in the UDF, in the current situation.

Only preliminary talks are going on now. A decision will be made regarding the seat distribution soon. The Congress leadership reckons that the League will back out from its demand for a third seat if it gets both its sitting seats.