Kottayam: Kerala Congress (M) vice-chairman Jose K. Mani on Saturday criticised working chairman P.J. Joseph for sending a letter to the Election Commission of India claiming that he was performing the duties of chairman following the death of K.M. Mani. Warning against any unilateral action that would cause a split in the party, Jose K. Mani told reporters here that the letter empowering the working chairman with the powers and functions of the party chairman was sent to the ECI without due consultations.
The only way forward for the party was to select a new chairman through a democratic process by convening the party state committee, he said. “This is the most important and democratic thing to do on this occasion,'' he added.
However, Mr Joseph turned down Mr Jose K. Mani’s demand and said that there was nothing undemocratic in his exercising the powers vested in him.
“The letter was meant to officially communicate to the ECI about the demise of chairman K.M. Mani and a corresponding change in the address for making official correspondence. At the same time, all others will continue in their respective positions. This is just a formal thing to do and there was no need to convene the party committee for it,'' he said.
Mr. Joseph, in his letter, cited clause 29 of the party constitution and said that he assumed temporary charge of the chairman from April 10 following the demise of Mani on April 9. Requesting the ECI to note his own office and personal address as the new address of the chairman, it further held that the election to the existing vacancies of chairman and parliamentary party leader will be held as per law in due course.
The letter drew sharp criticism from the Mani faction led by MP-designate Thomas Chazhik-adan.
Party organisational general secretary Joy Abraham, currently identified with the Joseph group, said that the letter was strictly within the confines of the party constitution.
Meanwhile, the effigies of P.J. Joseph and Kadu-thuruthy MLA Mons Joseph were burnt near Thirunakkara by the loyalists of Jose K Mani on Saturday evening.
