Talks on to iron out issues in UDF in Mlpm

Kozhikode: With the notification for local body elections expected soon, senior UDF leaders have moved to resolve internal differences within the front in Ponmundam and a few other panchayats in Malappuram district. A section of Congress leaders in Ponmundam had reportedly explored the possibility of contesting against the IUML in alliance with the CPM under a local front. The move has sparked sharp resentment within the IUML. Sensing trouble, senior leaders from Congress and IUML have stepped in to defuse tensions and reach a settlement.A high-level meeting held at the district IUML office was attended by IUML national general secretary P K Kunhalikutty, KPCC working president A P Anil Kumar, Aryadan Shoukath, IUML leader P Abdul Hameed, DCC president V S Joy and P T Ajay Mohan. Follow-up talks are expected within the next two days. The next round of discussions will also address disciplinary measures against local factions creating hurdles to unity. Kunhalikutty told reporters after the meeting that all internal issues will be resolved before the local body elections. "Discussions are ongoing in Ponmundam. Under no circumstances will there be a contest against each other," he said.