Kerala Congress (M) to demand more seats from LDF in local body polls

The Hindu

27-06-2025

The Kerala Congress (M) State secretariat, which met here on Friday, has decided to press for a larger share of seats from the Left Democratic Front (LDF) in the upcoming local body elections.
Asserting its political claim, the meeting entrusted district unit presidents with the task of initiating seat-sharing discussions with LDF leadership at the district level. The party also reviewed its grassroots election preparations and decided to intensify ward-level campaigns. To bolster these efforts, special responsibilities will be assigned to both district and State-level leaders. Fundraising strategies to support campaign activities were also evaluated during the session.
Addressing the meeting, party chairman Jose K. Mani remarked that the United Democratic Front's (UDF) recent calls for front expansion reflect a deeper crisis of confidence. He dismissed the notion that the outcome of the Nilambur by-election could be seen as a political mandate for the UDF.
On Nilambur verdict
'Nilambur has long been a UDF stronghold. This verdict does not in any way diminish the LDF's prospects for continued governance,' he said. 'We will take the outcome in stride and work to further improve the performance of both the government and the front.'
To address the pressing concerns of farmers and high-range communities, the party will constitute an expert committee for a comprehensive study. A policy manifesto based on its findings will be presented to the LDF.
Mr. Mani also pointed out that the biggest legislative obstacle in resolving human-wildlife conflict is the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972, enacted during Congress rule at the Centre. He urged the State government to fast-track legal reforms, within constitutional limits, to safeguard the lives and property of people in affected regions.
He further emphasised the need for timely resolution of land deed disputes in high-range areas, removal of restrictions preventing farmers from felling trees on their own land and other grassroots grievances through coordinated inter-departmental action. The party also called for urgent steps for a hike in welfare pensions for vulnerable sections and the implementation of a support price of ₹250 per kg for natural rubber.
The meeting, chaired by Jose K. Mani, was attended by Minister Roshi Augustine, Vice Chairmen N. Jayaraj and Thomas Chazhikadan, and other senior leaders.