THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: UDF leadership is expected to continue reconciliatory talks with Kerala Congress (Mani) leaders here.
Jose K. Mani has maintained that he is ready for talks and wish to lead the party united without any issues, while his rival P.J. Joseph insists that a majority of leaders and legislators are with him.
P.J. Joseph
UDF leadership urged loyalists of Mr Mani and Mr Joseph not resort to provocative statements.
Congress leaders Oommen Chandy and Ramesh Chennithala and IUML leader Dr M. K. Muneer led the talks.
They urged Mr Mani to continue talks, but within minutes, he told reporters that he would not step down as its chairman elected by the state committee.
His protege Roshy Augustine MLA echoed him saying there was no need for that. "Whatever that had to be told has been shared before the leadership. But there is no need to step down," Mr Mani said.
Mr Chennithala said issues within the KC (M) would subside as Mr Mani apprised the UDF leadership that his faction has never made any provocative statements and that the fault lies with the Joseph faction.
The trio is expected to hold talks with the Joseph faction in the coming days.
