UDF present picture of unity, in confession mode

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The leadership of UDF coalition partners formalised a ceasefire and went into a confession mode after a meet here on Wednesday, admitting recent lapses in the functioning of the front and promising measures to correct it. It also gave formal approval to the candidature of R Selvaraj from Neyyattinkara.
The subdued UDF meet turned out to be an introspective session, against the backdrop of the impending Neyyattinkara bypoll.
‘‘Of late, there were some issues in the UDF. All of us are sad about it. They developed under special circumstances. But all those differences have been sorted out. The UDF has reached an understanding on all issues,  including the allocation of the Rajya Sabha seat,’’ Chief Minister Oommen Chandy told reporters after the meeting. Sharing the sentiment, KPCC president Ramesh Chennithala said: ‘’We admit that there were some lapses. Each one of us should have exercised restraint. We have erred. We will correct it.’’
IUML leader and Industries Minister P K Kunhalikutty also admitted to shortcomings on the side of his party. ‘‘The ties between the Congress and Muslim League is a long standing one, which had outlived many tests. We are keen that it should not be destroyed in our time,’’ he said.
The Chief Minister reiterated that the UDF would fight the Neyyattinkara poll as united and strong as it fought the Piravom poll. ‘’The unity in the UDF, which was approved by the people of Piravom, will be replicated in Neyyattinkara also,’’ he claimed.