Roshy's 'promise' to CM Pinarayi Vijayan made Jose K Mani drop UDF return plan

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: It was none other than Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan who put a roadblock to Kerala Congress Mani faction’s move to switch allegiance to UDF. When rumours surfaced of Jose K Mani contemplating a return to UDF, Pinarayi Vijayan reportedly called Minister Roshy Augustine of Kerala Congress (M) and advised him not to desert LDF. It is reported that Roshy Augustine assured the Chief Minister that he would stand firm with LDF even if it required the Kerala Congress (M) to split.

In addition to Roshy Augustine, MLAs N Jayaraj and Pramod Narayanan also stood firm in their stance to continue with the Left Front. It is reported that Jose K Mani withdrew from switching allegiance, realising that a split in his party was around the corner. Jose K Mani thus had to cancel his press conference and announce his allegiance yet again with the LDF.

Roshy Augustine and Ranni MLA Pramod Narayanan had openly announced their allegiance to LDF. Another MLA and senior leader, N Jayaraj, initially shared the view of Jose K Mani, but later changed his stance to continue with the Left Front.

The remaining two of the five MLAs, namely Sebastian Kulathungal and Job Michael, wanted the party to switch to UDF. The landslide victory of the UDF in the local body elections and the shocking setback in the Pala municipality led many within the Kerala Congress (M) to reconsider their decision to ally with LDF.

While meeting the press yesterday, Jose used double entendre rather than direct talk, saying ‘Wherever Kerala Congress is, there will be government. This statement had everything expected from a shrewd politician and also opens the possibility of a late twist, which LDF will be very wary about.