THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Similar to the surprise induction of former BJP leader Sandeep Varier, Congress has started pulling strings to bring more such leaders from BJP and CPM to its camp. It is reported that Congress leaders have held preliminary talks with some CPM and CPI leaders. Discussions were also held with a Left MLA from the Malabar region. No final decision has been made regarding his induction.

Like Sandeep Varier, more BJP leaders are believed to follow suit and join the Congress party in the coming days. Talks are progressing with a senior BJP leader who is reportedly all set to jump ship.

On another note, UDF is planning to capture 70 per cent of the local bodies in the state. The master plan is already in place to wrest power in Thiruvananthapuram, Kochi, and Kozhikode corporations.

The state Congress leadership has instructed congress workers to penetrate BJP strongholds in Thiruvananthapuram and douse the chances of the saffron party in the upcoming corporation elections.