Parleys between CPI-M, CPI on RS seat inconclusive

Talks between CPI-M and CPI leaders on the issue of one Rajya Sabha seat, which the CPI(M)-led LDF could win from the state, remained inconclusive today.
Talking to reporters after holding discussions at the AKG Centre here, CPI State Secretary Kannam Rajendran said an agreement on the RS seat has not been reached.
"Discussion will continue," he said along with other CPI leaders Pannyam Raveendran and K E Ismail.
CPI(M) State Secretary Kodiyeri Balakrishnan, politburo member Pinarayi Vijayan and LDF convener Vaikom Viswam represented CPI-M in the talks.
CPI(M) was of the view that two seats out of three falling vacant from Kerala were represented by the party and so they should get the single winnable seat.

On the other hand, CPI staked claim to the seat as they did not have any representative in the Upper House from the state.

Yesterday, Congress in Kerala had decided to renominate former Defence Minister and CWC member A K Antony as RS candidate on the single seat the party plans to contest from the state.
Three seats from Kerala will fall vacant in the Upper House as the terms of Congress leader Antony, CPI(M) leaders T N Seema and K N Balagopal are due to expire this month.
Of the three seats, Congress led-UDF can win two and CPI(M)-led LDF one, based on the strength of the legislators of both the fronts.

UDF has decided to allot the second winnable seat to its partner JD(U), led by its state president M P Veerendra Kumar.
Election for the RS seats falling vacant is slated for March 21. The last date for filing of nomination is March 11 and withdrawal on March 14.
Election and counting of votes would take place on March 21.