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Jose Mani's Sharp Rebuttal: Why LDF Alliance Rumors Are "Misplaced"

Kerala Congress (M) chairman Jose K. Mani has firmly shut down buzzing rumors about his party preparing to rejoin the Congress-led UDF. He labeled the speculation as misplaced and questioned the intent behind it, especially as it gained traction while he was abroad. Mani repeatedly asserted that his party's stand is clear and they remain with the CPI(M)-led LDF, recalling they were previously ousted by the UDF. He underlined the party's continued relevance by stating that power follows where Kerala Congress (M) is.

Key Points: Jose Mani Dismisses UDF Return Buzz, Reaffirms LDF Loyalty

  • Jose Mani dismisses UDF return rumors as politically-motivated and questions their timing
  • He cites party's participation in all LDF meetings and presence at protests
  • Mani recalls being "ousted" by UDF, states party is "happy" within Left front
  • He asserts "Where Kerala Congress (M) is, power will be there," highlighting its relevance
2 min read

Jose Mani dismisses UDF return buzz, reasserts loyalty to LDF

Kerala Congress (M) chief Jose Mani firmly denies speculation of rejoining UDF, asserts party remains firmly with CPI(M)-led LDF ahead of Assembly polls.

Jose Mani dismisses UDF return buzz, reasserts loyalty to LDF
"Our stand is clear. We are with the Left. Do I have to say this every day? - Jose K. Mani"

Kottayam, Jan 14

Kerala Congress (M) chairman Jose K. Mani on Wednesday firmly dismissed reports suggesting that his party was preparing to return to the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF), asserting that the party remained firmly with the CPI(M)-led Left Democratic Front (LDF).

"Who is discussing this?" Mani asked, before citing Lord Jesus Christ's words from the Holy Bible to press his point: "Daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep for me; weep for yourselves and for your children."

He suggested that the renewed speculation was misplaced and politically-motivated, questioning the timing and intent behind the rumours.

For the past two days, political circles in Kerala have been abuzz with reports that Kerala Congress (M), the third-largest ally in the ruling LDF, was reconsidering its alliance ahead of the upcoming Assembly elections.

Addressing the media, Mani said the discussions gained traction when he was abroad. He explained that he had travelled to Dubai to visit his father's close associate who was seriously ill and had informed the leaders concerned of his unavailability.

"Despite that, all five of our MLAs were present (at the protest of the Left against the Centre in the state capital city)," he said, indicating that the party's functioning had not been disrupted.

Reiterating his party's position, Mani said, "Our stand is clear. We are with the Left. Do I have to say this every day?"

He pointed out that Kerala Congress (M) had participated in all LDF meetings.

"In a party, there can be differences, but finally there is only one collective view," he said.

Drawing a contrast with the Opposition, Mani said the UDF's strength had declined, claiming that its tally had fallen from 110 seats (based on the 2024 Lok Sabha polls) to 80 following the local body elections held in December.

He also recalled that Kerala Congress (M) was "ousted" by the Congress-led UDF in the past and said the party was "happy and comfortable" within the Left front.

Rejecting suggestions of external influence, he said the Church never interfered in politics.

However, one remark that is expected to fuel further political debate was his assertion: "Where Kerala Congress (M) is, power will be there," underlining the party's continued relevance in Kerala's shifting political arithmetic.

Meanwhile the steering committee meeting of his party on Friday is expected to discuss this hotly-debated issue of shifting loyalties.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

M
Meera T
Using Bible verses in a political press conference... interesting strategy. Shows how intertwined community identity and politics are in Kerala. His point about the Church not interfering is good to hear, but the reference itself sends a message. 🤔
S
Suresh O
"Where Kerala Congress (M) is, power will be there." That's the most honest line in the whole article! It's all about power and seat-sharing. The common man just wants good governance, not this daily soap opera of alliances and betrayals.
A
Anjali F
Respectfully, this constant alliance speculation is exhausting for voters. Parties should focus on their work and manifesto. If they keep changing sides, how are we supposed to trust their promises? Stability is important for development.
V
Vikram M
He has a point about the UDF's declining strength. The local body results were a clear message. KC(M) is a kingmaker in many constituencies, especially in Central Travancore. Staying with LDF is the logical, power-centric choice right now.
D
David E
Watching from outside, Kerala's politics is fascinating. Small regional parties holding the balance of power. Mani's statement seems definitive, but the fact there's a committee meeting to discuss it Friday means the door isn't fully closed. The plot thickens!

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