Kerala Congress splits again

KOTTAYAM/THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: True to its style, the party that grows as it splits and vice versa has  split again  with prominent leaders of the Joseph group parting ways with the Kerala Congress (M) ahead of the Assembly polls in search of greener pastures.  The leaders, including  Mr  Francis George, son of Kerala Congress founder K. M. George,  Mr Antony Raju, Dr K. C. Joseph and Mr P. C. Joseph, have  decided to revive the old Kerala Congress (J) with the hope of joining hands with the LDF.

They are likely to fight the polls from Changanassery, Kanjirapally, Moovattupuzha,  Idukki and other places which are the strongholds of Kerala Congress (M). Mr Francis George resigned as  chairman  of Kerala Feeds Limited and handed over the resignation letter to agriculture minister K.P. Mohanan.

Mr P.J.  Joseph’s attempt to pacify Mr  George and others failed as Mr Mani was against giving them seats. Differences of opinion had started over  a week ago after the Joseph faction leaders sought a fair deal in seat-sharing. Mr P.J. Joseph has assured Mr Mani that he would  not leave the KC (M).

Though the dissidents denied any  discussions with the LDF, sources said  that they will be accommodated in the front finally. Mr Francis George plans to hold a meeting of Joseph group leaders in Kottayam on March 9 to revive the Kerala Congress (J) group.