Kottayam: The never ending splits, mergers and further splits still continue unabated in the Kerala Congress family parties. Today the Kerala Congress (M) party has split again with the Mani faction electing Jose K. Mani as the new Chairman of the Kerala Congress (M) in a closed door meeting in Kottayam.
Jose K. Mani was elected as the Chairman at the Kerala Congress (M) State Committee meeting where his faction has a majority.
The leader of the rival faction and the Working Chairman of the Kerala Congress (M), P. J. Joseph, has been opposing the move of Jose K. Mani to become Chairman of the party. The tug of war between the two leaders began after the death of the party patriarch, K. M. Mani, and the father of Jose K. Mani.
P. J. Joseph has reiterated his stand that only the Working Chairman as the power to convey a State Committee meeting. He said that Jose K. Mani’s move was in violation to the party rules and that his actions meant that he will be leaving the party.
Joseph faction has the support of only two district presidents while Jose K. Mani enjoys the support of 8 district presidents. Both the factions have two MLAs. Mani faction also have the support of 2 MPs.
