KOTTAYAM: The Congress’ decision to hand over the soon-to-be vacant Rajya Sabha seat to Kerala Congress (M) is a shot in the arm for KC(M), which came back into the UDF fold just before the Chengannur bypoll after staying independent for almost two years.
At the same time, winning the Rajya Sabha berth is certainly a political gain for party chairman K M Mani and his son and heir-apparent Jose K Mani, as they have returned stronger than they were when they were part of the coalition.
Not only have they got the Rajya Sabha seat, when the UDF’s position is at the weakest, they will also be able to hold on to the Kottayam Parliament seat in the 2019 general election. Mani, more importantly, has proved his political value staying out the coalition, forcing the Congress leadership to accept his demands.
Mani was in his cheerful self when he met media persons here on Thursday. He thanked the Congress leadership and the special efforts taken by the IUML leader P K Kunhalikkuty.
It is learnt that this (RS seat) was part of the deal struck between KC(M) leadership and senior Congress leaders when the former decided to return to the coalition fold ahead of the Chengannur bypoll.
Now, KC(M) can walk back to the UDF camp, keeping their head held high.Mani said the party’s parliamentary committee will meet on Friday to take a final decision on whom to be sent to the Rajya Sabha.