Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala Congress (Mani)'s demand for two Lok Sabha seats has put the Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) leadership in a quandary.
Now the onus is on CWC member A. K. Antony to settle the row.
Before the special UDF meeting in Kochi, Congress leaders were unmoved with demands of the Muslim League and KC (M).
They feel the League was toying the line of KC (M) to end their internal feud.
P.J. Joseph is demanding either Idukki or Chalakudy and if Oommen Chandy, also a CWC member, contests from Idukki, Mr Joseph is willing to leave it.
A senior Congress MLA who attended the meeting said the pain of parting with a Rajya Sabha seat for Jose K. Mani continues within.
"It was the handiwork of Muslim League leader P. K. Kunhalikutty MP and Oommen Chandy. Now it's their responsibility to settle the issues amicably. Mr Antony will have a crucial role as a mediator," he told DC.
But efforts are on to calm KC (M) leaders to avoid a split. Congress leaders are bewildered by their claim for Idukki and Chalakudy.
A senior leader said it's next to impossible. It would also mean a third seat for the League.
"So far, League has not been openly demanding it, though Youth League and its spiritual guardian Samastha Kerala Jamiyyathul Ulama did. But if KC (M) leaders are determined, then there is no other way," he said.
