Kerala Congress (M) on the verge of split

Kottayam:  A frustrated K J Joseph could upset Kerala Congress (M) apple cart leading to a split over LS seat sharing.

This is going to be a repeat of the past, where the tug of war earlier had been between Mani and Joseph, now Jose K Mani has replaced his father.

 P J Joseph in his discussion with Congress leaders sought to recognize Kerala Congress( J) as an alliance partner.

However, the Congress would inform him of its decision after February 16 discussing with other outfits in the UDF.

Congress leadership is learnt to have requested Joseph to avoid a costly split in the party.

Kerala Congress working chairman PJ Joseph, accompanied by lawmaker Mons Joseph and T U Kuruvilla, met Ommen Chandy, Oppostion leader Ramesh Chennithala, and KPCC president Mullappally Ramachandran. They met again at the Cantonment House.

In the two-hour long meet, the Congress leaders expressed difficulty in revoking the seat allotted to KC(M).

However, Joseph faction claimed at the meeting that situation was not under the control of KM Mani.  Otherwise, a different candidate wouldn’t have been announced replacing the one the party had chosen, they claimed.

Others in the party were taking decisions using Mani’s ill-health as a cover up. Continuing in the party in this context became difficult.

However, Joseph assured the Congress leadership of desisting from taking any decisions that could debilitate UDF.

The Joseph faction was considering whether breaking away from KC (M) could run against anti-defection act.

P J Joseph claims to have the support of the party’s three out of six lawmakers.