THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: It was after high drama that Kerala Congress (Mani) on Sunday zeroed in on Jose Tom Pulikunnel, a staunch supporter of the late K. M. Mani and his son, Jose K. Mani, as the candidate for the Pala byelection. The decision was announced by opposition leader Ramesh Chennithala in the presence of KPCC president Mullapally Ramachandran at Pala late on Sunday evening.
Contrary to expectations that Nisha Jose K. Mani will be the candidate, a seven member sub-committee, headed by Thomas Chazhikadan, MP, picked Mr Tom.
Earlier, Mr Mani had clarified that none from his family will be contesting the by-poll, scheduled for September 23. Just a few minutes prior to the official announcement, Mr Chazhikadan, a Mani loyalist, too had announced that the 'new' candidate will not be from the family.
Hectic parleys were on by the UDF leadership with former chief minister Oommen Chandy, UDF convener Benny Behanan and Kottayam DCC president Joshy Philip leading the last minute efforts to convince KC (M) working chairman P. J. Joseph. The leaders, however, did not go with the list of four names Mr Joseph submitted, including that of party general secretary E. J. Augusthy.
Meanwhile, Mr Chenni-thala clarified Mr Tom's announcement that he would not mind contesting without the 'two-leaves' symbol as the late K.M. Mani was his symbol, saying the statement was due to legal issues pending with the election commission.
