KC(M) infighting: UDF leaders meet P J Joseph, tell don’t act in haste

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: United Democratic Front (UDF) leaders have finally intervened to settle the infighting within its constituent, Kerala Congress (Mani). Even though they were having informal discussions with the warring factions, a one-hour discussion was held with P J Joseph, acting chairman of the party, here on Tuesday.
The UDF leaders were supposed to meet Jose K Mani, son of party founder K M Mani who was ‘elected’ chairman, but the latter could not reach the state capital on Tuesday.
Opposition leader Ramesh Chennithala, former chief minister Oommen Chandy and IUML leader in the House M K Muneer met Joseph at the Legislative Assembly for a detailed discussion.
In the meeting, the UDF leaders made it clear that the infighting within the party has been tarnishing the front and hence the issue should be settled at the earliest.
However, Joseph is learned to have told them that he was not ready to accept Jose as the party chairman. He also claimed that Jose has no authority to convene the party state committee meet.
The UDF leaders, who have apprehensions of Joseph faction drifting away from the front, urged him not to take any hasty decision, including expelling Jose from the party.
Joseph is learned to have assured that no such decisions would be taken and expressed his trust on the mediatory talks initiated by the UDF leaders. The front leaders will meet Jose here on Wednesday.