Seat sharing talks on in UDF, LDF and BJP

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Seat sharing talks in both ruling Congress led UDF and CPI-M headed LDF today entered the crucial second phase, even as minor partners continued to put pressure for more share for the May 16 assembly polls.

Congress, the lead partner held bilateral talks with representatives of JD(U), Kerala Congress(M) and Kerala Congress (J).

KC-M leader KM Mani told reporters that the discussions would continue and next round of talks would be on March 21.

KC-M had demanded more seats in Kottayam, Pathanamthitta and Idukki districts, the party's strongholds.

JD-U leader George Varghese also said that discussions are on and expected to complete the process in few days time.

Meanwhile, CWC member AK Antony today said that youth would be given priority while finalising the candidate list.

"Finalising candidate list is the next most important thing in Congress," Antony, who is here to attend a meeting of Congress pradesh committee said.

Answering a question, Antony said the people should judge the performance of the UDF government.

In LDF, talks on seat sharing between CPI-M leaders and JD(S) and NCP continued.

JD(S) said that the talks were not yet over.

LDF expects to finalise its list of candidates and announce it by the end of this week.

BJP and Bharat Dharma Jana Sena held discussions on seat sharing in Kozhikode.