'No return to UDF'; Jose K Mani speaks to Kerala Kaumudi

KOTTAYAM: Kerala Congress (M) Chairman Jose K. Mani has ruled out any possibility of rejoining the United Democratic Front (UDF), stating that the party was once expelled from the alliance and has no intention of returning merely because the Left lost the Nilambur seat.

"We were kicked out of the UDF. We are not going back to the UDF just because the Left Front lost its seat in Nilambur," Jose told Kerala Kaumudi in response to reports that senior UDF leaders were keen on bringing Kerala Congress (M) back as part of a broader expansion strategy.

“There may be many leaders on the other side who believe that the UDF will be strengthened if we rejoin. They often express such a wish. However, we have not held discussions with anyone. As Mani sir once said, there will always be people ready to follow the beautiful lady that is Kerala Congress. What can we do — that’s all I have to say. Those who once insulted us and kicked us out now seem to have second thoughts, and we are glad that our strength is finally being acknowledged,” Jose said.

He added that the party is currently focused on preparations for the upcoming local body elections. Committees have already been formed at the ward level to strengthen grassroots activities, and candidates will be decided early. There will also be greater representation for the youth. The party’s state secretariat is scheduled to meet today in Kottayam, with the primary agenda being the local elections. The Nilambur by-election will also be discussed, he said.

Receiving due recognition in the Left Front
Jose K. Mani stated that he does not see the UDF's victory in Nilambur as a weakening of the LDF's strength. “We are not a party that changes its stance based on a by-election defeat. We are receiving the recognition we deserve in the Left alliance, and there is no reason for us to consider leaving it,” he affirmed.