Our stand vindicated: UDF

By Our Special Correspondent

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM, JUNE 16. The UDF feels that its tactical positions against fielding a second candidate had been vindicated following the compromise formula arrived at by the LDF over the sharing of Rajya Sabha seats. Besides preventing a division in its own ranks, the UDF leadership could gauge the mood in the LDF, particularly in the CPI, which was tilted against upsetting the existing arrangements.

Had the UDF fielded candidates, overruling the possibilities of a compromise in the LDF camp, it would have cut a sorry figure today. Right from the beginning, senior Opposition leaders held the view that the LDF would work out a compromise formula. It had approached the issue of fielding a second candidate with this perception, even though there were strong opinions by some sections to do so. Besides, it was wary about the division it might create in the UDF ranks. Such a difficult situation had been avoided, the leaders feel.

The UDF convener, Mr. K. Sankaranarayanan, said the UDF's tactical responses to the LDF crisis over the Rajya Sabha seats had paid off.

Responding to questions at a press conference soon after the UDF High Power Committee meeting here today, Mr. Sankaranarayanan said: ``The LDF compromise clearly proves that power sharing was a binding factor, and party positions were irrelevant. But we don't want a share in this `blood bath'.''

He said the UDF had been right in its analysis that the LDF compromise would come about. ``It was not the LDF which fielded the candidates. The CPI, RSP and the CPI(M) decided to field the candidates individually. The CPI(M) has not shed its big- brotherly attitude even after this issue,'' he added. Asked whether the UDF had any role in settling the dispute over the RS seat in the Front, Mr. Sankaranarayanan said the UDF had decided that the issue should be resolved by the Congress(I) and the IUML through bilateral talks.

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Section  : Southern States
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