THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The problems within Kerala Congress (M) workers are resulting in a headache for Congress leadership. Both LDF and UDF are keenly observing these resentments.

Joseph’s close friend K Francis George has decided to work with LDF. Though P J Joseph has not denied the probability of working together with Francis George again, it is least likely that he will move on to the left camp leaving Mani group. Though Joseph is not interested to work in the shadow of Mani, he is trying to put pressure on UDF by standing jointly with Mani, so that his faction may get one seat in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. Upcoming election is very crucial for Congress. They expect maximum number of seats from Kerala. They are trying to settle the issues among Mani group members. Even if Kerala Congress (M) splits, LDF and Francis George do not expect P J Joseph to come to the left camp. However, LDF hopes that the split may help Francis Geroge to have more followers in the central Travancore.

Joseph group won’t withdraw themselves from demanding a seat. They will demand either Idukki or Chalakkudy. P J Joseph is likely to be the possible candidate. His son may contest from Thodupuzha assembly. Joseph group leaders will reach Thiruvananthapuram for the Gandhi prayers on Wednesday. They will start their plans to strengthen the faction.

Joseph believes that Mani has been cheating him regarding the Idukki seat. He also believes that he is not getting enough consideration from the party. Joseph has also resentments regarding Jose K Mani’s Rajya Sabha seat and ‘Kerala Yathra’. Joseph’s stand is that the Mani group should give Kottayam to Oommen Chandi, if required.

Congress can’t deny the fact that Joseph forced Mani to remain in the UDF. Therefore, Congress will not isolate Joseph from their plans.

Democratic Kerala Congress expects one of Chalakkudi, Kottayam and Pathanamthitta seats from LDF. They will demand the seat after knowing Joseph’s plans. Francis wont contest against P J Joseph. During assembly elections, he had expressed hesitation to contest in Kothamangalam against T U Kuruvila.