KC (M) splits again, Jose K Mani elected chairman

KOTTAYAM: The Kerala Congress (Mani) has split once again after Jose K Mani was elected chairman of the party at the alternative state committee convened here Sunday. Though opposition leader Ramesh Chennithala, Muslim League leader K Kunhalikutty and KPCC chief Mullappally Ramachandran tried their best to avoid split, all those who attended the meet wanted a split. However senior leaders like C F Thomas stayed away from the meet. Eight district presidents and 220 state panel members attended the meet, claimed Jose K Mani faction. This is the end to the feud seen between Joseph and Jose factions soon after the death of K M Mani for the chairman post.

Since the Election Commission has approved Joseph as acting chairman, the Joseph faction believes that if the alternative committee is called without his direction, disciplinary action can be taken against them and MPs and MLAs can be disqualified through anti-defection law. The decision of the commission will be crucial as Jose faction has given a letter to the commission stating that Joseph has not be chosen as the interim chairman. P J Joseph had mentioned that those attending the meet today will be out from the party. With the announcement of Jose K Mani as the party chairman, what stand will Joseph faction take? As he has the support of three MLAs from the five in the party, he is likely to take strict action.

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