Anvar calls party meet as UDF explores tie-up

Kozhikode: UDF's leadership meeting on Friday decided to cooperate with former Nilambur MLA PV Anvar. UDF chairman and opposition leader VD Satheesan was asked to draft a framework for the partnership between Anvar and UDF.
However, it's unclear how the former Left-backed MLA will join UDF as the leadership believes bringing Trinamool Congress state unit into the Front could be problematic due to West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee's stance at the national level.
"We discussed Anvar's inclusion in UDF. Earlier, Satheesan and former opposition leader Ramesh Chennithala had held talks with him. Now, continuing that process, UDF discussed the matter and based on the general mood at the meeting, decided to entrust the opposition leader with holding talks with other UDF allies and Congress high command to take a final decision," said UDF convener MM Hassan.
When asked if UDF has decided to work with Anvar, Hassan said the opposition leader has been asked to hold further talks. A final decision will be announced within a week. On whether Trinamool Congress will join UDF, he said more details will be shared after Satheesan's discussions. He added that more talks with Anvar will be held if needed.
Sources said Congress had suggested that Anvar could join a UDF ally like CMP. CMP leader CP John was supposed to meet Anvar on Friday morning, but the meeting didn't happen.
Anvar has called a meeting of his party in Kochi on Saturday to discuss working with UDF. He welcomed the UDF's decision to involve him and said he would collaborate as a member of Trinamool Congress.