KOTTAYAM: Kerala Congress (M) is in a state of crisis after PJ Joseph expressed interest to contest in the Lok Sabha election. Mani is not in good terms with Joseph after he expressed his interest to contest publicly by calling for a press meet, before the meeting of party steering panel. He even went to the extent of saying that the party hasn’t decided to field Nisha Jose K. Mani, to the discontent of Mani.

Noticeably, Nisha came out against Joseph’s mention. Nisha says that someone is trying to misuse her name on purpose even after she clarified about not contesting. “There are other young bloods to contest”, Nish said which hints Joseph’s emission from candidacy.

Joseph is trying all he can to put pressure on the party. After discussing with top leaders in the Congress, he visited several Catholic bishops. He made a visit to the NSS head office as well. Joseph argues that he is eligible for Lok Sabha seat, as Jose K. Mani already is a Rajya Sabha MP.

On the other hand, Mani is ready to let Joseph leave the party if the UDF allows only one seat for the party. Also, it will be easier for Jose K. Mani to become party chairman if Joseph leaves. Mani assumes that Joseph group is weaker after Francis George and co. left.

Meanwhile, CPM state secretary Kodiyeri Balakrishnan’s recent words about PJ Joseph is interesting. “Joseph was a decent man during his time with LDF. His entry to LDF can be decided if he leaves UDF”, Kodiyeri said.