KOTTAYAM: In a recent development, the Kottayam district collector has announced that UDF candidate Jose Tom Pulikkunnel will not be allocated the 'two leaves' symbol for Pala by-elections. The order was made following Kerala Congress(M) Working Chairman PJ Joseph's letter citing that Jos should not be given the party symbol.

The collector has also rejected Jose Tom's nomination paper as Kerala Congress (M) candidate. Meanwhile, his nomination paper as a UDF independent candidate has been approved.

Following the order, Jos Tom has said that he is ready to contest with any symbol given by the leadership. Earlier, both Jose K Mani group and Joseph group were involved in a tug of war over the party symbol for the by-election.