IUML move to have DIC(K) in UDF

KOZHIKODE: Moves to induct the Democratic Indira Congress (Karunakaran) (DIC-K) into the United Democratic Front (UDF) at the initiative of the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) have gained momentum.

"Moves have begun to condition the workers of the Congress and the DIC(K) to prepare for the latter’s entry into the UDF," said an IUML manager, speaking on condition of anonymity.

A DIC(K) leader said "IUML leaders had begun talks with us on an alliance for the Assembly polls even before the CPI(M) took a decision not to have any truck with us." With IUML State general secretary P.K. Kunhalikutty openly declaring that he had already held talks with Chief Minister Oommen Chandy and DIC(K) president K Muraleedharan in this regard, the IUML initiatives are out in the open.

With Kerala Congress groups and the Janadhipathya Samrakshana Samithy (JSS) openly backing the IUML initiative, Congress leaders opposed to the proposal would find it difficult to resist the move. Senior leaders like A.K. Antony have already sounded their approval for the move.

A belief is gaining ground that in the prevailing political situation, the IUML has emerged as the strongest party in the UDF, as it has mass support to win on its own strength, and is a critical factor in a number of constituencies.

Also, there have been talks that the IUML would emerge as the leader of the UDF, with the largest number of MLAs, after the next Assembly polls. The DIC(K), on the contrary, had demonstrated its support in the local body polls.

"We have 20,000 to 35,000 votes in each Assembly constituency. This is a decisive strength in Assembly polls," claimed DIC(K) leader P. Sankaran.

The IUML’s detractors, however, say the party’s enthusiasm to woo the DIC(K) stems from its anxiety to make up for the loss of votes in some of its strongholds.

However, it cannot be denied that the League had overcome some of its major problems, thanks to the UDF’s ability to evolve a formula on reservation of jobs and the court orders in the ice-cream parlour case.

The National Development Front also appears to have softened its stand towards the IUML after the UDF Government’s decision on job reservation.