RSP set to join UDF, CPI presses Karat for patch-up

Congress in Kerala today opened formal dialogues with RSP a day after it quit LDF, even as CPI asked major Left partner CPI(M) to show "accommodation" to ensure that there is no break in the alliance.
The "preliminary round of talks" between the two parties was held at Chief Minister Oommen Chandy's official residence in Thiruvananthapuram after Congress high command gave the green signal to explore the possibilities of co-operation with RSP, including an electoral tie-up, Congress sources said.
Congress is learnt to have sought an assurance from RSP that it would support UPA at the Centre in return for backing its candidate in Kollam seat.

Addressing reporters after the hour-long meeting, Chandy dropped clear indications that RSP nominee would get UDF support but a formal announcement would be made by day after tomorrow after getting the nod of the KPCC and UDF partners.
RSP leaders also made it clear there was no return to LDF and the party would back the UPA at the national level.
Meanwhile, worried over RSP quitting the Left Democratic Front in Kerala ahead of Lok Sabha polls, CPI today asked major partner CPI(M) to show "accommodation" to ensure there is no break in the alliance.

In a letter to Prakash Karat, CPI General Secretary S Sudhakar Reddy said the rift between RSP and CPI(M) in Kerala which led to RSP walking out of LDF and "deciding to contest in Kollam constituency with the the support UDF is matter of serious concern".

"We will find it difficult to explain it not only at the state level but also at national level. We hope that resourcefulness in accommodation is shown to keep the LDF intact and break does not take place," he said and sought "all efforts" to bring back RSP into LDF.
RSP, a long-time partner in the LDF, broke off with it yesterday, protesting the overbearing approach of CPI(M) and CPI in seat allocation. The party also decided to put up its former MP N K Premachandran as its candidate in Kollam, its traditional stronghold.
It also rejected the appeal of central leaders of CPI(M) and CPI to reconsider its decision in the larger interests of Left unity.