Cong to contest 17 of 20 LS seats in Kerala

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March 01, 2004 18:57 IST

Capping long-drawn negotiations, the ruling Congress and its United Democratic Front allies on Monday reached an agreement on sharing 20 Lok Sabha seats in Kerala.

Congress, the lead partner, takes the lion's share of 17 seats, leaving two to the Indian Union of Muslim League and one to the Kerala Congress (Mani).

UDF convenor Oommen Chandy told reporters after the front's meeting that five partners had staked claim for a seat each.

"All of them had not totally withdrawn their claims. But Congress could convince them of the national-level political situation, where the party should get maximum number of seats," he said and thanked the constituents for falling in line.

Asked whether the partners had put forth any condition before backing out, he said there were no conditions which could create a headache for the Congress. "They have given some suggestions which would be discussed and feasible proposals will be implemented," he said.

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