Jose and Joseph factions attempting to get most seats from fronts

Express News Service
KOCHI: Since the approaching meeting elections are one more litmus take a look at for each Kerala Congress (M) factions to show their prominence on the state’s political map, the outfits are leaving no stone unturned in garnering most seats from their respective fronts. 

The resignation of Kerala Congress (M) chairman Jose Okay Mani from the Rajya Sabha has despatched a transparent indication that the social gathering has commenced seat-sharing preparations. Interestingly, the discussions are revolving across the 15 seats the united KC(M) contested within the 2016 elections.

Insiders say Jose resigned from the RS after a inexperienced sign from LDF prime brass. The Left entrance has reached an settlement to allocate 12 seats to Jose faction together with Pala. Besides Idukki and Kanjirappally — the sitting seats of the faction — Kaduthuruthy and Poonjar can be allotted to it. In Ernakulam, the social gathering is eyeing both Piravom or Perumbavoor. In Kozhikode, KC(M) had been contesting within the Perambra seat, now being represented by Excise Minister T P Ramakrishnan of CPM, as a part of UDF since 1991. Hence, LDF would allocate Kuttiady or Thiruvambady as a substitute of it. In Kannur district, as a substitute of Taliparamba, the social gathering could get Irikkur, mentioned sources. 

“Though LDF has reached a general agreement to allocate 12 seats, the party is staking claim on  15 and may settle for 12 to 13 seats so as to maintain the unity of the front,” mentioned a senior chief.Responding to queries on contesting in Pala, Jose informed reporters that LDF has not commenced talks on the meeting seat. “The party will take a final call on the candidates after the Left front announces its decision,” he mentioned.

However, prospects aren’t that good for P J Joseph faction which suffered a setback on its dwelling turf within the native physique elections. The poor present has hit the bargaining capability of Joseph and firm. The UDF could allot Thodupuzha, Kaduthuruthy, Kuttanad and Kothamangalam, which it contested final time, to Joseph faction. The Changanassery, Irinjalakuda and Tiruvalla seats, which Mani group leaders C F Thomas, Thomas Unniyadan and Joseph M Puthussery contested final time, respectively, who switched loyalty to Joseph, are additionally prone to be allotted to the faction. However, Joseph is demanding Kanjirappally, Idukki and some seats in Malabar area.

Dismissing the experiences that Joseph faction would accept seven to eight seats, senior chief and UDF secretary Johnny Nellore mentioned the entrance has not commenced seat-sharing talks but and such experiences are mere hypothesis. “We demanded 15 seats and may settle for one or two seats less,” he mentioned. Former legislator Nelloor’s identify can also be doing rounds for Kothamangalam and Idukki seats.