Simmering differences of opinion between the Indian Union Muslim League and the Janata Dal (United) have emerged in Kozhikode district over the post of UDF convener.
The issue had been boiling for quite some time before the Assembly polls, but now, friction between them has percolated after the IUML district committee once again staked claim for the post. It has suggested the name of M.A. Razak for the post, infuriating the JD(U) leadership. The UDF State committee had decided to hand over the convener’s post to the JD(U), as that party did not get any major post in any district. This was also part of an agreement worked out between the Congress and JD(U) to placate the latter when it was straddling between the UDF and the LDF. V. Kunhali, who was recently made the JD(U) district president, was thus chosen for the post. Previously the IUML had held the post.
Chairman post
Sources said that the Congress would now have to broker a deal between the conflicting constituents. Party leaders have not openly expressed their opinion on the issue though some did not mind surrendering the UDF chairman post in Kozhikode.
As of now the UDF chairmanship in all districts is being held by the Congress while the post of convener by any of its partner. Many had suggested that the convener post in Pathanamthitta district should be given to the JD(U) when its leaders had alleged that it was being sidelined in the UDF. However, that idea failed to take off for various reasons, a senior leader said.
The JD(U) has made its stance clear against sacrificing its allotted post; otherwise the party might have to take some unpleasant decisions. The Congress is hopeful of sorting out the issue following the exit of the KC (M), the sources said.
