The KPCC general secretary, K.C. Rajan from the ‘I’ group, and the Kollam DCC president, V. Sathyaseelan from the ‘A’ group, came close to fisticuffs during a meeting on Monday over seat-sharing by the two groups for the Kollam city Corporation election.
Out of the 55 divisions in the city, the Congress will be contesting in 34 as a constituent of the United Democratic Front.
The ‘I’ group, which has a stronger presence the city, initially wanted to contest in 24 divisions leaving the rest to the ‘A’ group.
Offer of 14 divisions
But during Monday’s discussions, the ‘I’ group leaders, in a move to amicably settle the district, offered 14 divisions to the ‘A’ group.
Though some of the senior leaders of the ‘A’ group leaders were prepared to settle the dispute by accepting the offer, Mr. Sathyaseelan took an adamant stand that the sharing should be “50:50”.
Heated arguments
This stand of the DCC president led to heated arguments, which in turn led to the eruption of ugly scenes, and Mr. Rajan and Mr. Sathyaseelan coming close to fisticuffs.
Mr. Rajan then left the meeting venue in a huff. Sources in the party said as per the KPCC directions, status quo based on the last local body elections should be maintained between groups for seat-sharing.
Status quo
Under that status quo, the ‘A’ group is entitled only for 10 divisions.
Unsettled
Though four more were offered over and above that limit, a settlement could not be reached.
Even on Tuesday evening, hectic discussions were continuing for reaching a settlement.
The whole UDF camp is highly disturbed over the situation since the last day for filing nominations on Wednesday.
Congress to contest in 34 divisions
‘A’ group wants a 50:50 settlement
