It’s a self-inflicted loss: P J Joseph

IDUKKI: KC(M) working chairman P J Joseph termed Jose Tom’s setback in Pala bypoll as a self-inflicted loss. Addressing the media at Thodupuzha on Friday, Joseph criticized the stand taken by Jose K Mani and the UDF-backed independent candidate.
“Jose K Mani’s immaturity led to the defeat. He didn’t approve the party’s bylaw and refused to accept that the working chairman will assume control in the chairman’s absence.Internal issues worsened subsequently. Had he requested the party symbol after accepting a change in the party leadership, the poll outcome would have changed,” he said.
“Jose faction failed to select a suitable candidate. Jose Tom said he didn’t need the party symbol and claimed that he would only need KM Mani’s blessings to win. Now, they say that the party could have won if they had got the symbol. Only they are responsible for this symbol fiasco,” claimed Joseph.
“I am deeply saddened by the failure of KC(M) candidate in the bypoll that took place after the demise of KM Mani. When I addressed the UDF election convention at Pala, Jose faction humiliated me using abusive language. They had no regrets. These actions also led to the bypoll defeat. If you noticed, state politics was not discussed in Pala bypoll as the internal clash in KC(M) gained prominence,” said Joseph.