KOTTAYAM: It has been hinted that Jose K Mani faction of the Kerala Congress (M) has started a move to join the LDF soon after the split of the party. Presently a senior leader of a Kerala Congress who is in the Left Front is at the helm for the move. It is heard that he held secret talks for Jose faction with the LDF leadership. If a green signal is obtained from the CPM, then Jose faction will reach the Left Front. Unconfirmed reports say a ministerial post has been assured to the Jose faction. Two MLAs are with Jose K Mani and the assurance is that one of them will be given a berth.

With the split of the party, the two groups are likely to approach the election commission for the symbol of two leaves. All eyes are on the action of the election commission. Leaders like Oommen Chandy had earlier held talks with Jose and P J Joseph. As the mediatory talks failed, the UDF asked both the groups to continue in the Front. It is heard that the UDF are more with the Joseph faction.

Meantime, working chairman P J Joseph said the act of unanimously electing Jose K Mani as the party chairman was illegal and unjustifiable. Jose was elected chairman at the committee convened by Jose K Mani faction at the CSI Retreat Centre. Jose K Mani had a huge majority at the party state committee. 312 out of 437 state panel members attended the meet. Jose K Mani claimed that eight of the party's district presidents are with them.

However, senior leader and former chairman C F Thomas did not turn up for the meeting. It was a blow for Jose faction who had earlier stated that Thomas was with them. Thomas told Kerala Kaumudi Flash that he is not interested in splitting the party and will be with the party announced by the election commission.

Kerala Congress state general secretary Joy Abraham and Thomas Unniyadan too did not turn up for the committee. 15 from the 28 member high power panel are with us, claimed Joseph. Leaders from various feeder organisations are also with us, claimed Joseph.