KOTTAYAM: In the recent no-confidence motion against the LDF government, Jose faction of Kerala Congress party had taken a neutral stand. Now, reports indicate that Jose faction has made a secret pact with LDF for the upcoming local body polls.

Jose faction wants to secure maximum seats in local body polls. They think that if they lose in polls, it could affect their existence itself. The party’s intention is to contest the election alone without being part of any front. Therefore, Jose faction has decided to make electoral understandings at the local level without considering political differences.

The LDF holds the view that pact with Jose faction will help them to appease catholic voters in Kottayam, Idduki, Pathanamthitta and Ernakulam. Jose faction is waiting for an opportunity to avenge UDF for expelling them from the front. The anti-UDF stand taken by them during no-confidence motion and Rajya Sabha polls have finally closed UDF’s door to them. Therefore Jose faction considers it as a prestige issue to secure more seats than Joseph faction.

The ongoing feud between Jose and Joseph factions has eroded foundations of UDF in Central Kerala. CPM thinks that Jose faction would be able to garner traditional votes which previously went into Joseph’s account.