Thiruvananthapuram: The Kerala Congress (Joseph) group has expressed its desire to contest in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections from Kottayam. This demand was formally presented to the United Democratic Front (UDF), and the Joseph faction engaged in discussions on the matter during a bilateral meeting with the Congress party.

It should be noted that last time Kerala Congress (M), of which PJ Joseph was a part, had contested from Kottayam. However, later on, the Kerala Congress (M) led by Jose K Mani left UDF and joined the LDF. Thereby, as per the current scenario, the Joseph faction has raised a claim over the seat. The Congress is likely to grant the seat to Kerala Congress (J). However, a final decision in this regard will be taken only after the return of KPCC president K Sudhakaran. 

UDF convenor MM Hassan, opposition leader VD Satheesan and AICC working committee member Ramesh Chennithala represented Congress in the meeting. Meanwhile, PC Thomas, Mons Joseph MLA , Joy Abraham and Francis George participated in the discussion along with Joseph.