Protests have intensified within the United Democratic Front (UDF) in the Thrikkarippur constituency over the reported move to allot the seat to the Kerala Congress in the upcoming Assembly elections, with local leaders of the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) warning that such a decision could affect the coalition’s prospects. The leaders pointed out in a meeting that giving the constituency to the Kerala Congress, which does not have a strong organisational base in the area, instead of the Congress or the IUML, would weaken the UDF’s chances of victory.

The Congress had earlier demanded that the seat be allotted either to itself or to the IUML. The protest grew stronger after indications emerged that the Kerala Congress was being given priority in the seat-sharing talks despite having only a limited presence in the constituency.

P.K.C. Rauf Haji, constituency president, IUML, presided over the meeting. General secretary Sattar Vadakkumpad and treasurer Lathif Nilgiri, along with other IUML leaders, participated.