KOTTAYAM: Bolstered by the central Election Commission order allocating the electoral symbol of the Kerala Congress (M) to the party led by Jose K Mani, the coalition has started to intensify its efforts to strengthen the party base by bringing back the leaders from the rival group led by P J Joseph. As part of this decision the party led by Jose K Mani has kicked off district level leadership meetings on Thursday. On Thursday the meeting was held at Kottayam which is considered as the party’s strongest centre. Jose K Mani ordered the presidents of constituencies to list the names of those leaders who switched to the rival group. Notice will be issued against all those who switched to the other group.

The party has sought legal advice on how to prepare the notice, the proceedings will start once they get legal clarifications. The leaders of Jose faction claimed that some leaders who had gone to the rival group now express their interest to return fearing the proceedings. A three member committee lead by district president Sunny Thekedathu was formed to engage in discussions with those who wish to return to the fold. The committee will also look into the opposition they will have to face from the allies of the respective area. The decision on the re-entry of the leaders will be finalised on the basis of the report.

In the party meet, the list of wards where chances of winning the coming local body polls, will be prepared. It was decided that the Kottayam district panchayat president who was the reason behind the dispute will continue to chair the position. But two leaders who switched to Joseph faction will have to face proceedings under the anti-defection law.