UDF expanding its hold: Aisha Potty joins Congress; spirit and mind of Kerala Congress (M) with UDF

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The UDF's moves to expand the front are showing signs of reaching the shore. Although Kerala Congress (M) Chairman Jose K Mani and Minister Roshi Augustine have come out with negative statements, the possibility of the party leaving the LDF and joining hands with the UDF is emerging. Aisha Potty, who was the sharp tongue of the CPM in the assembly, who had flown the victory flag for the LDF in the Kottarakkara constituency in three elections, has joined the Congress. There are indications that some other parties that are giving the UDF a chance of victory in the assembly elections may also change their minds.

Aisha Potty, who was at odds with the CPM, accepted the Congress membership, which shocked the Left camp. Although the Kerala Congress (Joseph) faction and Pala MLA Mani C Kappan are not very happy about the Mani faction joining the UDF, this unhappiness is irrelevant in the face of the UDF's declared goal of coming to power at any cost. The entry of Opposition Leader VD Satheesan to the important synod of the Syro-Malabar Church, which has about 30 lakh believers in the state, is no small matter. This is where 49 bishops participate and the church takes strategic decisions. The church's influence on the Kerala Congress(Mani) is not small. There have been some communications from the AICC leadership with Jose K Mani. Congress Working Committee member Ramesh Chennithala has also made a diplomatic move to bring the Kerala Congress into the UDF camp.

The Kerala Congress cannot move forward ignoring the interest shown by the church. Although Chairman Jose K. Mani made it clear on social media yesterday that the party is with the Left Front, instances where the party announces a similar stance first and then changes its stance later are not new to Kerala politics.

There is a perception among the churches that the CPM shares some common ground with the BJP, although they are sniping at each other on the outside. They are also upset about the persecution faced by Christian churches in some other states. The UDF currently has just nine members in the assembly in Kottayam, Idukki, Alappuzha, Pathanamthitta, Kollam and Thiruvananthapuram districts. The Mani faction has a significant influence in these areas. The UDF hopes that they can increase their strength if they all come together. It is also hoped that the anti-government sentiment will be favourable.