Congress Reaches Out to Kerala Congress (M) for UDF Return Ahead of Assembly Polls
Congress has started formal-level discussions with the Kerala Congress (Mani) party. The talks aim to explore the possibility of bringing the party back into the United Democratic Front fold. This move comes ahead of the upcoming assembly elections in Kerala.
Preliminary Talks Held Between Leaders
Opposition leader V D Satheesan and IUML leader P K Kunhalikutty held preliminary talks with KC(M) chairman Jose K Mani. They discussed the potential alliance shift. However, these reported parleys triggered sharp internal differences within the Kerala Congress (M).
Minister Roshy Augustine firmly rejected any move to realign with UDF. He responded to reports of discussions by asserting there would be no change in the party's alliance. Augustine stated that KC(M) would remain a constituent of the LDF and the state government.
Social Media Clarifications and Denials
Jose K Mani dismissed speculation over the party's political stance in a social media post. He stated that ongoing external discussions had no relevance to KC(M). Mani alleged that opinions being aired on the issue were part of a deliberate attempt to destabilise the party.
"Every decision in the party will be taken collectively," he said in his post. While KC(M) leadership officially denied that talks with UDF were underway, Congress leaders maintained that informal channels of communication remained open.
Internal Divisions Within Kerala Congress (M)
Sources said Congress high command and a section of Church leaders were in touch with Jose K Mani. However, the party's two MLAs — Augustine and Pramod Narayanan — reportedly opposed any move to realign with UDF ahead of elections.
Augustine claimed he was unaware of any such discussions. He said similar rumours about Kerala Congress (M) had surfaced repeatedly in the past. The minister added that the party chairman already clarified reasons for not participating in the state government's protest against Centre.
Augustine insisted there was no internal confusion or cause for surprise over a possible alliance shift. He reiterated that KC(M) was guided by credibility and political ethics. Augustine said Jose K Mani's social media post was misinterpreted.
"Kerala Congress (M) will continue as part of the Left Front and the government. There is no doubt about the continuation of Left rule," he stated clearly.
Persisting Differences and Future Meetings
Despite these assertions, reports suggested differences persisted within KC(M) leadership. While Jose K Mani and a section of the party were said to be open to reconsidering the alliance, Augustine and Narayanan favoured remaining with LDF.
The two MLAs recently shared a social media post featuring themselves alongside chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan and other cabinet colleagues. This served as a clear signal of continuity within their faction.
A crucial steering committee meeting of Kerala Congress (M) is scheduled for January 16. The alliance question and related political developments are expected to be discussed during this meeting. A final decision on the party's future course may emerge from these discussions.
