P.J. Kurien takes U-turn, extends support to Puthuserry

Kottayam: A consensus has been reached between Rajya Sabha deputy chairman P.J. Kurien and Kerala Congress (M) chief K.M Mani on the issue of Joseph M. Puthuserry’s candidacy at the Thiruvalla seat.

“All the issues related to the Thiruvalla seat has been solved amicably. I’m satisfied with K.M Mani’s explanation on the issue,” Kurien told reporters after holding talks with Mani.

“Mani has the right to decide the candidate for the seat that is allotted for them,” he said.

Thiruvalla is the seat contested by the Kerala Congress (Mani), the third biggest ally of the UDF. It is also the home turf of Kurien, who for many decades has been the undisputed leader of the place.

The Thiruvalla assembly seat for the past two terms has been held by Mathew T. Thomas of the Left opposition - Janata Dal (S). In the two previous polls, Thomas defeated Victor T. Thomas of the Kerala Congress (Mani).

This time K.M. Mani, the supreme leader of the Kerala Congress (Mani) party, asked Puthuserry to contest. This angered Kurien because Puthuserry, a three-time legislator, after being denied a seat in the 2011 assembly polls had decided to keep away from the campaign for the Thiruvalla seat.

Kerala will hold polls on May 16 for its 140 assembly seats.