KOTTAYAM: The Congress may offer Idukki seat to Kerala Congress (M) working chairman P.J. Joseph in a bid to solve the wrangles in the KC(M) which have threatened the prospects of the UDF in central Kerala.
Mr Joseph told this paper that he had staked his claim for Idukki and that the Congress was considering it.
“I am sure that I can win the seat which is being held by LDF-supported Joice George,” he said. He had also raised other demands with the UDF leaders.
He said he was withdrawing his claim for the Kottayam seat and will work for the victory of Thomas Chazhikadan. “At this late hour, I do not like to stake claim for the Kottayam seat. I am withdrawing my claim and will work for the victory of Thomas Chazhikadan,” he added. He hoped to pacify his supporters who have protested against the rejection of his candidature by the KC(M).
The Congress leaders in Idukki have supported Joseph.
Former Idukki DCC president Roy K. Poulose had met him at Thodupuzha a few days ago and offered to back him. It may be recalled that Congress candidate Dean Kuriakose was defeated in Idukki last time.
The current DCC leadership thinks Joseph can wrest the seat from Joice George.
If Joseph gets the seat, the nine-time MLA from the Thodupuzha will contest to the Lok Sabha for the first time in his electoral career which began in 1970.
