Kottayam: Working chairman, P.J. Joseph, is resisting the demand for convening the state committee of the Kerala Congress (M) for electing a new chief as he lacks support.
Two earlier splits, first by P.C. George and later Francis George, had reduced the numerical strength of his group in the 400-member state committee.
When the KC (M) and KC (Joseph) merged, the proportion was 65 - 35. The splits reduced his strength further. The majority of the 14 district presidents and other bearers also owe allegiance to his rival Jose K. Mani, prompting him to approach the Election Commission to stake his claim to the chairmanship in a very advanced move.
There are 25 general secretaries and 111 steering committee members. The Jose K Mani group also dominates the five-member parliamentary party with N. Jayaraj and Roshi Augustine, besides himself. Changanacherry MLA C.F. Thomas hasn't made his mind clear so far.
The newly-elected Lok Sabha MP Thomas Chazhikadan is also with the group. They say the party constitution makes it necessary to convene the state committee for electing its chair.
Meanwhile, the party sources are hopeful of a new formula emerging to end the crisis. Accordingly, C.F. Thomas could be the new chief, Mr Joseph parliamentary party leader and Jose K. Mani, the deputy chairman.
