KOCHI: The ruling Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) is all set to fight it out with high hopes of retaining power.
Unlike in the past, the UDF has its coffers full to showcase the development and welfare initiatives of the Oommen Chandy-led government. Though the government has been facing a slew of allegations of corruption, the solar and bar scams have receded, setting ground for a fierce contest.
The government survived to complete its five-year term. While going to the polls, however, initial sparks on seat-sharing with smaller coalition partners is going on for nearly a week. The deadlock in seat-sharing talks is keenly watched, and is expected to be settled by next week. With the exit of a couple of smaller outfits from the UDF in the past few years, the front has additional nine seats in its pool. There is not much open schism as in the past in the ‘A’ and ‘I’ faction-driven Congress so far, over the candidates’ selection process. The High Command is likely to comment on the list sent by the state committee.