KOTTAYAM: Apparently treading on the toes of K M Mani, the P J Joseph faction in the Kerala Congress(M) has underlined the significance of the coalition politics in the present scenario. Breaking his silence after the KC(M) Charalkunnu leadership camp during which the party severed its ties with the UDF, Joseph, also the KC(M) working chairman, extended his support to his close aide and Kaduthuruthy MLA Mons Joseph who said the relevance is only for coalition politics.
Joseph said that in the present scenario, a political alliance is necessary. The Thodupuzha MLA also said that the party is currently reinforcing itself by taking an independent stance. He was talking to media on the sidelines of a function at a school in Thodupuzha on Friday.
Earlier on the day, Mons Joseph in Kottayam said that coalition politics is the reality of the present politics and tomorrow the KC(M) also will have to be a part of any coalition.
There are issues to be discussed within the party, he added. He has also made it clear that the KC(M) cannot have an equidistance stance with the NDA, in an apparent jolt to the NDA dreams of K M Mani. However, the party would support those who stand for the rights of minorities, he said, adding that the party will never do anything for political gain. He also said the party is working on the basis of its ideologies and it would not do anything harmful for its supporters.
The MLA also said he has clear views on the issues and they would be revealed within the party. Later on the day, in an attempt to douse the situation, party chairman K M Mani said both Joseph and Mons have said the party stand only. Admitting that in Kerala the coalition politics has relevance, Mani said, however, at present the party has decided to stay independent. The KC(M) has proved that it can stay independent earlier also, he said, adding that he is happy over the welcome stance of other alliances. He also maintained that there is no change in the decision to leave the UDF.
Earlier during the party leadership camp in Charalkunnu, party chairman K M Mani had announced equidistance with all alliances.
Meanwhile, KC(M) general secretary Joseph M Puthussery said the rumours that the KC(M) is moving to the NDA even after making it clear that the party is not joining hands with the BJP or the NDA are with dubious interests.
He also said the party has not held any talks with the BJP and such a thing is not in their agenda also. The KC(M) has decided to maintain equidistance with all alliances and there are no further talks over it, he added.