Jose K Mani back to UDF? V D Satheesan says no discussion held yet

KANNUR: Opposition leader VD Satheesan said that after examining the defeat in Thrissur, further steps will be taken. He added that the candidates in the by-elections are decided by the High Command. VD Satheesan also stated that the UDF has not yet discussed the entry of Jose K Mani into the front. He was talking to media in Kannur.

'Candidates for the Palakkad and Chelakkara by-elections are decided by the High Command. All senior Congress leaders have spoken to K Muralidharan. Some media have come out to play down the brilliant victory of UDF in 18 seats. There is an organized agenda behind it. I will not fall into that trap. Ten people have won more than one lakh votes. Four of them have a majority of over two lakhs and two have a majority of over three lakhs. They don't let that win shine. All have lost elections. Still, I don't understand why only defeat is discussed.

KPCC and UDF will look into the situation that led to the defeat in Thrissur and Alathur. The identity of the culprits cannot be announced before the inquiry committee is appointed. In Thrissur, votes shifted to BJP from CPM strongholds including Anthikkad. There was an understanding between BJP and CPM regarding Karuvannur Bank. There was threat for CPM district secretary to be arrested.

KPCC chairman has the final say on organizational matters. He will decide the organizational matters. The UDF has not yet discussed the entry of Jose K Mani into the front. Congress candidates are not decided by the media or the opposition leader. Congress has its own system of candidate selection. Media started the discussion'- said VD Satheesan.

Meanwhile, It is rumored that after the defeat in Thrissur, K Marulidharan will contest in Wayanad where Rahul Gandhi is likely to back out. This is the only option before KPCC to bring Muralidharan who has said that he will stay away from politics. Senior Congress leaders are hinting that they will ask the high command to consider Muralidharan if there is a by-election in Wayanad.