UDF Seat-Sharing Enters Crunch Phase as Congress Targets Idukki and Kottayam

Overview

• The Congress is moving to reclaim the Idukki seat, with the local unit formally asking the KPCC and discussing potential nominees including Bijo Mani, Roy K. Paulose and Francis Arakkaparampil.
• The party is also eyeing Changanassery and Ettumanur in Kottayam, but the Kerala Congress (P. J. Joseph faction) is refusing to cede seats and cites recent local body results to bolster its stance.
• The IUML has demanded a larger share of constituencies, signalled interest in expanding into districts such as Kottayam and says P.K. Kunhalikutty will lead it into the polls.
• The RSP has indicated Shibu Baby John would contest from Chavara and is seeking reallocation of two seats, while showing less interest in retaining Attingal and Mattannur.
• The UDF had aimed to finish bilateral talks by mid-January, with formal bargaining expected to pick up after the Congress’s two-day Wayanad meeting and continue in the capital ahead of the April–May election.