New Delhi, March 18 (NationPress) In a significant development, the Leader of the Opposition in Kerala, V. D. Satheesan, has declared that the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) has successfully finalized its seat-sharing strategy for all 140 Assembly constituencies, taking an essential stride in the coalition's election preparations.

With the state elections scheduled for April 9, Satheesan confirmed the end of lengthy discussions, stating that the UDF has reached an agreement that balances the interests of all major partners while ensuring fair representation across different regions.

State Congress President Sunny Joseph further indicated that candidates would be nominated in nearly all constituencies by day’s end, marking a swift shift from talks to active campaigning.

According to the agreement, the Congress party will contest 92 of the 140 seats under its own banner and will also support three independent candidates.

The Indian Union Muslim League (IUML), a key ally in the coalition, has been allocated 27 seats.

The Kerala Congress-Joseph will field candidates in eight constituencies, while the RSP will contest four seats and back an independent in one.

This election cycle features a notable development: the Congress will support three independent candidates who are former CPI-M leaders, expelled after critiquing the party. These candidates include two-time minister G. Sudhakaran in Ambalappuzha, T. K. Govindan in Taliparambu, and former MLA P. K. Sasi in Ottappalam.

Additionally, veteran CPI-M leader V. Kunjikrishnan has been assigned the Payyannur seat by the RSP from its quota of five.

Satheesan also mentioned that the Congress intends to promptly announce candidates for 40 seats, indicating a phased yet rapid rollout of its candidate list.

The remaining constituencies have been distributed among five smaller allies, ensuring that influential leaders within the coalition receive representation.

This includes sitting legislators such as Anoop Jacob from the Kerala Congress-Jacob, K. K. Rema from the Revolutionary Marxist Party (RMP), and Mani C. Kappan from the Kerala Democratic Party (KDP).

Also included are C. P. John, a veteran CMP strategist, and two-time former Left legislator P. V. Anvar, showcasing the front’s effort to broaden its social and political appeal.

With the seat-sharing finalized and candidate announcements in progress, the UDF has effectively laid out its electoral strategy, gearing up for a competitive Assembly election.