KOCHI: The UDF have censured Jose K Mani faction. UDF convenor Benny Behanan hinted that they will be expelled from the Front if they don’t support the no-confidence motion brought against the government. The only suspension now is for disciplinary violations. If this is repeated again, severe action will be taken. If they approve the no-confidence motion, will think about taking them back, he said.

‘The Jose K Mani faction was asked to stay away from front meetings for not approving the decision taken unitedly by the UDF. The UDF jointly decided to bring a no-confidence motion against the government. If he is trying to defy the decision of the UDF, the Front leadership will decide what the next steps should be. Violating the decision of the UDF is a serious mistake. As a member of the Front, the Jose faction is accountable to obey the decisions of the UDF. There is still time to correct their wrong decisions. USD’s stand is very clear. If they vote in favour of the UDF, taking them will be discussed then, he said.

The Jose faction had decided to move closer to the Left Front when they were kept away from the UDF. Some unofficial talks were also held. In between this, the gold smuggling issue came to light. With that, the talks came to an end and it was decided not to talk in favour or against both the fronts.