Efforts to end differences between JDU and UDF on

Thiruvananthapuram: Congress leaders in Kerala on Tuesday asserted issues connected with JDU, a partner in the ruling Congress-led UDF, will be sorted out through talks.

The leaders also made it clear that JDU was an integral part of the coalition.

Kerala PCC President V M Sudheeran and State Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala today held talks with JDU State President M P Veerendakumar as part of finding a solution to the issues raised by the party. The talks assume significance in the wake of a recent statement by Veerendrakumar that his party was not getting due consideration from UDF.

A major demand raised by JDU is publication of the report of the UDF sub-committee that looked into the reasons for the defeat of Veerendrakumar who was UDF candidate in Palakkad in Lok Sabha polls.

Another round of discussions would be held with Chief Minister Oommen Chandy who had met Veerendrakumar at the latter's residence on Sunday to thrash out issues.

After initial round of talks, Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala told reporters that all Front partners wanted JDU to be part of the coaliation. "All issues raised by JDU will be sorted out through negotiations," he said.

Sudheeran expressed hope that the issues highlighted by JDU would be resolved. "The issue raised by JDU is not connected with any posts or positions, but political. A solution will be found soon," he added.

"JDU is a vital constituent of the UDF and its leader Veerendrakumar a senior leader of the Front. Issues raised by Veerendrakumar will be given due consideration," he added.

Reacting to the developments, Veerendrakumar said he was happy that the valid political questions raised by him were being given due consideration.

"The concerns that have been raised by us are not for seeking any positions or other benefits like what is being propagated. We had deliberations on political issues," he said.

"It is the UDF, which had set up a sub-committee to study about defeat of Palakkad Lok Sabha candidate. The committee had prepared a report on this. We had demanded that the report must be submitted to the Chief Minister without making any alterations. We have been assured that the demand would be considered and I'm happy over it," Veerendrakumar added.

The committee had also recommended action against certain local Congress leaders responsible for the defeat. The report had found fault with Palakkad DCC Secretary C Balagopal, KPCC Secretary C Chandran, who was general secretary of the poll campaign committee, and Palakkad Congress Committee President C V Balachandaram for lapses in the poll preparation.