IUML-Congress tiff on Thiruvampady seat worsens

KOCHI: The row that has erupted between the Indian Union Muslim League ( IUML) and the Congress over the Thiruvampady seat has become a major irritant in the seat-sharing talks in the United Democratic Front ( UDF).

To make matters worse, a letter allegedly written by PK Kunhalikutty to chief minister Oommen Chandy five years ago promising to give up the claim to the seat in future has been released by a local television channel. The Malayora Vikasana Samithi (Hill Development Committee), which is supported by the Thamarassery diocese, had objected to the way in which IUML had gone ahead to announce its candidate for the Thiruvampady seat. The Samithi and the Church had held talks with the Congress leadership for fielding a candidate who could understand the problems of the local Christian farmers.

The Samithi has even threatened to field its own candidates if its demand is not met. Meanwhile, IUML has made it clear that it is not willing to reconsider its decision to put up its candidate in Thiruvampady. Speaking to reporters, PK Kunhalikutty said as far as IUML is concerned the candidate has been finalised.

When asked about the letter, he said he has written several such letters to Oommen Chandy. “We will discuss such issues between us,“ he said. Interestingly, in the row over the Thirivampady seat the KPCC chief V M Sudheeran has reportedly taken a pro-IUML stand.