Francis George to contest as independent in Idukki

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: A harsh decision will be taken by Francis George of the old Joseph faction of Kerala Congress (Mani) Group if the Congress is not willing to give the Idukki Lok Sabha seat.

The Joseph faction has decided to field Francis George as an independent in Idukki and is likely to seek the support of the LDF. Most probably, an outburst is expected to witness in the KC (M) and the UDF.

The Idukki seat currently held by P T Thomas of Congress, who started his election work in the district, has already raised stiff objection in giving up the seat.

A decision could not be taken at the bilateral talks held between the congress and KC (M) yesterday. Mani made it clear that his party could not abandon the demand for two seats and that the preferred additional seat was Idukki, which was currently being held by P T Thomas of the Congress. But Mani said his party was ready to take any other winnable seat instead of Idukki. Talks will be held again on February 6. The congress is of the opinion that as it is the party’s sitting seat, talks should be held with the high command. The old Joseph faction of Mani Group does not have any hope in getting the seat. So, some leaders of the Joseph faction are keen in getting the support of the LDF if George is willing to contest as an independent.

The winning chances are more if George is fielded in Idukki. It would be a beginning to put an end to the relation with the UDF.