THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: At a time when Jose K Mani faction has called for a state committee meeting of the party to elect its new chairman at Kottayam today, acting chairman P J Joseph has come forward alleging that convening the meet is illegal and unconstitutional. Meantime, mediatory talks to solve the dispute in the Kerala Congress have started under the leadership of senior congress leaders. However, Joseph alleged that Jose K Mani faction is disrupting the mediatory talks. With this, it is hinted that both factions are not for a compromise on the issues existing in the party. The Kerala Congress is almost on the verge of a split.

Only the working chairman who has the constitutional authority of the chairman has the right to convene the state committee. 15 members of the party high power committee had requested the working chairman having the powers of the chairman to speed up consensus moves. Those attending today’s meeting will be out from the party. Although some may attend the meeting due to misunderstanding, majority will stay away from it. Some abstained from consensual discussions called for resolving the problems of the party citing childish reasons. A decision what disciplinary action should be taken against those attending today’s meeting will be taken later, Joseph told reporters.

A meet led by Jose K Mani will be convened today at 2 pm to select the new chairman. Jose K Mani is likely to be chosen as the new chairman. Police security has been provided to Mani group state committee office in Kottayam. Fearing seizure of the office by Joseph faction, Jose faction is staying in the office and the gate has been locked.