Unyielding BDJS turns hassle to BJP; Thushar may contest

Thiruvananthapuram: BDJS' relentless demand for five LS seats in upcoming election is proving a challenge to BJP's prospects. Earlier BDJS had claimed eight seats which BJP leadership responded with offer of four seats.

Even for conceding four seats, BJP leadership was internally criticised. It was in the midst of this conundrum that BDJS president Thushar Vellapally declared that the party will contest in five seats. An understanding was made to give Ernakulam, Alathur, Idukki and Wayanad seats to BDJS. Now BDJS has raised a demand for Alappuzha or Thrissur besides the four seats.

However, BJP feels that Alappuzha seat may be given if Thushar Vellapally is contesting and in return a seat may be retrieved from them.  BJP national leadership also wants Thushar Vellapally to contest.

Thushar, who had been declining to contest, has reportedly shifted his position after the BDJS executive committee wanted him to contest.

State vice-president Paili Vadhyattu is being considered for Wayanad seat and K. Gopakumar and Sangitha Vishwanath, secretaries of the party, are considered for Ernakulam seat. State vice-president K. Padmakumar is prioritised for Idukki seat.  General Secretary TV Babu is being considered for Alathur.

The party may announce its candidates within a week.