George told media, "The UDF should not be sacrificed for Chandy. If Chandy quits, the problems in the UDF would end with that. Chandy is surrounded by satellites, who do not have any mass support. These satellites have contributed for Chandy's present predicament," said George, leader of regional Christian party Kerala Congress (M).

George's demand for Chandy's exit came even as the CPI (M)-led Opposition is mobilising its entire strength for an indefinite agitation. The Opposition is gearing for a showdown with the Congress government, which is making an all-out attempt to foil the Left bid. Paramilitary forces have already reached the state capital and other cities.

Hotels were asked not to give room for agitators, bus operators prevented from plying to the state capital, liquor bars asked to down shutters until further direction and CPI (M) sympathisers warned against allowing agitators to get refreshed in their homes. The police made a failed attempt to demolish a common kitchen erected for the agitators by the CPI(M).