Thiruvananthapuram: Water Resources Minister Roshy Augustine has shared on social media a photograph from Monday’s one-day satyagraha led by the Chief Minister, captioned “Thudarum” (to be continued). The post has drawn attention amid ongoing speculation that his party, the Kerala Congress (M), may leave the Left Democratic Front (LDF).

KC(M) chairman Jose K Mani was absent from the satyagraha. Party sources said he could not attend as he was abroad. The photo shared by Roshy features Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, Revenue Minister K Rajan, Education Minister V Sivankutty, among others. He has also set the image as his Facebook cover photo.
 

There are indications that Jose K Mani may not lead the mid-zone yatra announced by the LDF ahead of the Assembly election. The stated reason is the upcoming Budget Session of Parliament, which he is expected to attend. The proposal is to entrust Chief Whip N Jayaraj with the responsibility instead. Jose has said he can participate in the inaugural and concluding events of the yatra, but leading it throughout would be difficult. He also skipped the last two LDF meetings.

His continued absence, especially in the backdrop of the local body election results, has strengthened speculation that KC(M) may exit the LDF. Traditionally, two yatras led by CPM and CPI leaders form part of the LDF’s election preparations. This time, a third yatra was introduced to include Jose K Mani as a captain and thus consolidate KC(M)’s position within the front. His reluctance to take up the role has political implications.

Meanwhile, reports suggest that the Congress has initiated efforts to bring Jose K Mani back to the UDF. It is learnt that Sonia Gandhi and Jose held a phone conversation, with K C Venugopal acting as the intermediary. The Indian Union Muslim League reportedly has no objection to Jose’s return to the UDF. However, Roshy Augustine and some party MLAs are said to be uninterested in leaving the LDF.