Thiruvananthapuram, Jan 3 (NationPress) As the Kerala Assembly elections approach in April-May, the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) finds itself at a pivotal moment in its preparations, energized by a surge of confidence yet grappling with ongoing internal challenges.

Having been in opposition since 2016, the UDF is eager to regain power after Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan's Left Democratic Front (LDF) achieved a remarkable second consecutive term in 2021—an unprecedented event in the electoral chronicles of the 140-member Kerala Legislative Assembly. This outcome had left the UDF feeling significantly demoralized.

Nonetheless, the alliance's impressive performance in the December local body elections has notably boosted morale, with leaders now asserting that the coalition is well-positioned ahead of the Assembly polls.

Traditionally, the Congress contests around 90 seats within the UDF, while the remaining constituencies are divided among allies like the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML), various factions of the Kerala Congress, the Revolutionary Socialist Party (RSP), CMP, and Kerala Congress (Jacob). Historically, the seat-sharing discussions have been delicate and pivotal during pre-election strategies, and preliminary signals indicate that this cycle will be no exception.

The IUML has already made its initial demands known. Its state president, Panakkad Sadiq Ali Thangal, has publicly claimed that the League merits a greater number of seats in the forthcoming elections and intends to address this in front-level discussions. The IUML is also showing interest in contesting seats in districts like Kottayam, indicating its ambition to broaden its electoral reach.

While allowing the Congress to decide on the Chief Ministerial candidate, the League's leadership has expressed desires for seat adjustments, including the potential for female candidates, and has confirmed that P.K. Kunhalikutty will spearhead the party's campaign.

The RSP has also made its claims known early on. Party leader Shibu Baby John has indicated that if he runs, it will be from Chavara, citing his deep emotional and political ties to the area. He characterized the contest there as a critical battle for the UDF and foresees a surprising victory for the coalition.

Simultaneously, the RSP has signaled a lack of interest in retaining constituencies like Attingal and Mattannur and will seek to reallocate two seats outside its traditional district.

With these emerging demands, the Congress leadership is set to hold a two-day strategy camp in Wayanad starting Sunday, where they will finalize their approach to allies and the framework for seat-sharing negotiations.

As the UDF views the upcoming election as a vital chance to reclaim power, its ability to adeptly manage the aspirations of its allies in the coming weeks could prove crucial.