THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Congress camp believes the stage is set for Kerala Congress (Mani) chairman K. M. Mani and his five MLAs to join the LDF. Though Opposition leader Ramesh Chennithala tried his best to split the party, its working chairman P. J. Joseph has decided to accompany Mr Mani into the LDF. But highly placed sources of Kerala Congress revealed to DC that Mr Joseph’s close confidant Mons Joseph has been unhappy with the move, but as there is no other way he too decided to ditch the UDF. In all likelihood, C. F. Thomas and Mons Joseph will be provided with ministerial berths.
For the last few days, there have been efforts from the Congress to antagonise Mr Mani and company in whatever way they can, which was reflected in the Veekshanam editorial, as they wanted to shut the doors of UDF permanently on him. Despite Mr Chennithala inviting him and his legislators to the Iftar he hosted at Hotel Mascot on Friday, none of them turned up. Mr Mani was hurt the most when his wife Kuttiyamma was questioned by the police during the bar scam row when the UDF government was in power. The latest mediation talks on shifting to the Left camp were led by CPM secretary Kodiyeri Balakrishnan and Mr Mani himself in the presence of a prominent bishop from central Kerala.
Party sources told DC that Mr Joseph’s family is of the view that it is better for him to stay put with Mr Mani due to his failing health. “The stage is set for joining the Left. Only the date and time have to be fixed, and it is expected to happen soon. Mr Mani’s son and Kottayam MP, Jose K. Mani, will re-contest from Kottayam on LDF ticket in 2019,” said a party insider. If that is the case, it is definitely going to be one of the most keenly watched contests in the Lok Sabha elections. Congress and Kerala Congress have always been on the warpath for Kottayam and Idukki seats, and Kottayam is going to be the mother of all battles.
Leaders like Francis George, Dr K. C. Joseph, Antony Raju and P. C. Joseph, who are already with the LDF, are taking a wait and watch policy.
“Apart from the Kottayam, KC (M) will be given two cabinet berths. In all likelihood, Mr Mani will stay away as that will only antagonise the CPI. When Mr Balakrishnan and Pinarayi Vijayan take a decision, the CPI will not have much voice,” said a Kerala Congress leader. But the two crucial factors are going to be the future of the bar bribery case as the Pinarayi Government had informed the High Court last month that there is evidence against Mr Mani and also the reaction of the Catholic Church.
