KOTTAYAM: Kerala Congress(M) leader Jose K Mani has lashed out against the Joseph group for fielding Jospeh Kandathil as an independent candidate in the Pala by-election. He said that the Joseph group has violated the agreements made in UDF meeting by nominating a new candidate against Jose Tom.

The decision regarding the candidate and election symbol in Pala by-election was made last week after the UDF meeting. Following this, UDF leaders including PJ Joseph announced Jose Tom as their candidate. However, the entire UDF received a shock when PJ Joseph announced that Joseph Kandathil will be contesting against the UDF candidate.

Jose K Mani said that a decision regarding the new development will be taken in the upcoming UDF meeting. He also added that KM Mani remains as the election symbol in the minds of people. "Whatever may be the election symbol, the people have KM Mani in their memories and it is that memory that will help us secure victory," he added. He also said that the party will move legally regarding its official symbol.