KOTTAYAM: Even as the tussle for power in Kerala Congress (M) has led to a legal battle between the groups led by P J Joseph and Jose K Mani, the Church and UDF have started all-out efforts to resolve the dispute.
As part of the move, UDF leaders Oommen Chandy, Ramesh Chennithala and Dr M K Muneer on Tuesday held discussions with Joseph in Thiruvananthapuram. They will hold talks with Jose as well.
It is reliably learnt the development came after a fresh mediation initiative taken by an archbishop in Thiruvananthapuram, who held discussions with Chandy and Ramesh. The archbishop sought the strong intervention of the UDF leadership on the issue and advised them to speak to both groups to arrive at a settlement of the dispute. As per the formula that came up at the meeting, Joseph will have to accept the chairmanship of Jose, while other matters could be discussed accordingly. It is learnt that the UDF leadership communicated this to Joseph at Tuesday’s meeting.
The UDF leadership also demanded Joseph not to complicate the issue further and that the factional feud should not adversely affect the UDF’s prospects in the assembly by-election for the Pala seat.
Meanwhile, sources in the Joseph faction said their leader’s stand was that Jose had sabotaged all reconciliation initiatives by convening a state committee meeting on their own. “Joseph has assured the UDF leadership that the KC(M) official faction led by him will not create a situation which will weaken the unity in the UDF, including in Pala by-election,” said Mons Joseph, MLA, a close aide of Joseph.
Meanwhile, Joseph is learnt to have sent a communication to the Election Commission of India (ECI) stating that the election of Jose as the chairman of KC(M) was illegal and against the party constitution. A detailed letter along with the Thodupuzha munsiff court’s order preventing Jose from officiating as chairman will be sent to the ECI on Wednesday.
Other legal proceedings will be taken according to the decisions of the court, which has posted the next hearing for July 17.
At the same time, the Joseph faction has decided to maintain the status quo in organisational portfolios. “KC(M) has a chairman, parliamentary party leader, deputy chairman and office-charge general secretary and there is no need for making any change at least for the time being. There is no issue for the smooth functioning of the party. Some people have convened a parallel meeting which does not affect the party,” Mons said.
On the other hand, the Jose faction has started their move to secure a stay for the Thodupuzha court’s order before taking further steps. “We are waiting for the court order and an appeal will be filed,” said a Jose faction leader. Meanwhile, C F Thomas’ open stand favouring Joseph has come out as an unexpected jolt to Jose. With Thomas moved to the rival group, the Jose faction has lost the majority in the state legislature party.