Kerala Congress (M) steering committee meeting today: Failed UDF return will get spotlight

KOTTAYAM: Amidst the failed move to return to UDF fold ahead of the assembly election, the steering committee of the Kerala Congress (M) will meet at the state committee office in Kottayam today.

The committee has 86 members, including top leaders and branch office bearers. The agenda includes a review of the local body elections and other issues permitted by the chairman. Although Chairman Jose K. Mani has announced that he will continue in the Left Front, top leaders from UDF have not dropped their efforts to bring the Mani faction to their camp.

The committee, scheduled from 11 am to 4 pm, will seek the majority's opinion on the front change.

Some leaders who appeared in media debates connected Jose's absence from LDF meetings to be part of a move to change the front. Senior leaders are angry with a few MLAs showing their allegiance to LDF publicly through social media and even going to the extent of talking about splitting the party. Many alleged that it was an MLA who aggravated the issue.

Last time Kerala Congress M contested in 12 seats. The demand is to allow 13 seats this time.

The Kerala Congress Joseph faction is hosting a reception for the party representatives who won the local body elections at 2 pm today at Kottayam Mamman Mappila Hall under the auspices of the state committee.

A state special convention will be held in connection with this. Chairman P.J. Joseph MLA will inaugurate it. The seat discussion in connection with the assembly elections and the Mani group's stance on the UDF entry issue may be discussed.