Sat Jan 03 14:21:54 UTC 2026: Here’s a summary of the text, followed by a news article rewrite:

Summary:

Tensions are rising within the United Democratic Front (UDF) in Kottayam, Kerala, ahead of the upcoming Assembly elections. The Congress party, the leading member of the UDF, is pushing to claim seats currently held by the Kerala Congress (Joseph faction), arguing they have better chances of winning in constituencies like Changanassery and Ettumanur. The Kerala Congress is resisting these demands, citing their strong performance in recent local body elections and vowing not to concede any seats. Negotiations, initially planned to be completed by January 15th, have been delayed and are expected to intensify as the Assembly session approaches, leading to a potential showdown within the alliance.

News Article:

UDF Seat Sharing Talks Face Stiff Resistance in Kottayam

Kottayam, January 3, 2026 – As Kerala gears up for the upcoming Assembly elections, internal tensions are escalating within the United Democratic Front (UDF) over seat allocation. The Congress party, the dominant force within the coalition, is reportedly seeking to wrest control of key constituencies in Kottayam currently held by the Kerala Congress (Joseph faction).

Congress leaders are pushing to claim the Changanassery and Ettumanur seats, arguing that their candidates have a stronger probability of victory. Names like Joseph Vazhakkan, K.C. Joseph and District Congress Committee president Nattakam Suresh are being floated as potential candidates. A senior Congress leader stated, “In most of these constituencies, the Congress stands a stronger chance, and we demand a reallocation on that basis.”

However, the Kerala Congress (Joseph faction) is digging in its heels. A party leader asserted, “The Congress should not assume it can lay claim to any seat held by the Kerala Congress. We will not give up even a single seat.” The party is pointing to its performance in recent local body elections as proof of its continued strength, promising to repeat the success in the upcoming assembly elections.

While the UDF had aimed to finalize seat-sharing arrangements by January 15th, discussions have been delayed. With the Assembly session scheduled to begin on January 20th, negotiations are expected to move to Thiruvananthapuram, potentially setting the stage for a contentious showdown within the alliance. The outcome of these negotiations could significantly impact the UDF’s chances in the crucial Kottayam district.

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