KOTTAYAM: Kottayam Lok Sabha constituency will witness a ‘family drama’ this time. Though the candidates are not declared by all the three fronts, it has been hinted that the constituency will witness an intense contest. Kerala Congress (M) has not decided the candidate. LDF may field Francis George in the constituency. If Francis George is the candidate in the constituency, then NDA may field P C Thomas, son of P T Chacko as the candidate. Francis George is the son of K M George, and Francis has formed a new party called Democratic Kerala Congress.

Meantime, another problem needs to be addressed. K M Mani had demanded one more seat when Congress president Rahul Gandhi reached Kochi. Jose K Mani defeated LDF candidate Mathew T Thomas with a majority of 1, 20,599 votes in 2014. Therefore, Kottayam seat will not be given to Joseph faction. That is why Mani and Joseph are demanding for one more seat. Francis George was very close with P J Joseph. Joseph has not denied the probability of working together with Francis George. However, Joseph is not likely to leave Mani and join LDF. LDF also hopes that Francis George may be helpful in bringing Joseph faction closer to them.

P C Thomas had saved the constituency from 1989 to 2004 for K M Mani, till the removal of Muvattupuzha constituency. Supreme Court had cancelled his last victory for violating election rules. NDA hopes that P C Thomas will get Christian votes in addition to the BJP-BDJS votes. Piravom assembly, where Thomas has huge influence is in Kottayam constituency. Rubber cost will also become a topic of discussion in the upcoming elections. Piravom church issue will also become a topic of discussion. NSS stand will also become crucial in the constituency.