THIRUVANANTHPURAM: KPCC president M.M. Hassan said the decision to grant Rajya Sabha seat to Keralal Congress Mani (KCM) was taken to strengthen the UDF ahead of the Lok Sabha polls. At a press conference here he claimed that the matter was discussed in KPCC meeting and political affairs committee. The KC(M) demand for RS seat was conveyed to the high command.
"The high command wanted us to convince KC(M) to return to UDF without RS seat. We conveyed the central leadership's opinion to Mani. However, KC(M) stuck to its demand for RS seat citing that their member Joy Abraham was one of the three members retiring from the Upper House this time. Hence they wanted a representation in the RS. As Mani insisted on getting the RS seat we had to give up our seat in the interest of the UDF. It was done with a heavy heart and we can understand the feelings of the ordinary Congress worker on the ground. But we have told the allies that this is a special case and should not become a precedent ,” he added.
He said the decision to allot RS seat to KC(M) was conveyed to Rahul Gandhi and other central leaders. Hassan said the Congress will contest 16 seats , Muslim League two, Kerala Congress and RSP one each in the 2019 parliamentary elections. He said the return of KC(M) would strengthen the UDF. “Earlier we had entrusted P.K. Kunhali-kutty with the task of holding discussions with Mani. He held a series of meetings with Mani and convinced him to come back to the UDF. The first step was to support us in Chengannur which was followed by his return to the front," he added.
