Kottayam: Although the Kerala Congress (M) has clarified that it will not leave LDF, the Congress is closely observing developments within the Jose K Mani-led party ahead of the crucial assembly elections in the state.

The differing opinions expressed by Roshy Augustine and Jose K Mani regarding the Pala assembly seat were unusual, and Congress is calculating that a section within the Mani group may be aligned with the UDF.

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Meanwhile, the UDF seat discussions are set to continue after Opposition Leader VD Satheesan completes his Puthuyuga Yatra. Some in Congress believe there could be a “surprise” from a section of the Mani group shifting to the UDF. They expect that two MLAs might come under that fold.

Observers see the differing opinions within the Mani group over the Pala seat as the beginning of internal conflicts. Roshy’s repeated statements that Mani will contest in Pala leave no room for Jose to step aside.

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Being a Rajya Sabha MP, Jose still has considerable time left in his tenure, so he does not need to take the risk of contesting. However, Pala is a historically key constituency for the Kerala Congress. It is not wrong for anyone in the party to publicly express that a member of the Mani family, which has represented the constituency for half a century, should contest.

At the same time, insisting that Jose must contest in a constituency the party has repeatedly lost in recent years will put pressure on him.

If Jose does not contest, Roshy Augustine could potentially contest the seat. Such discussions are ongoing within the party, but everything will ultimately depend on Jose’s final decision.

Meanwhile, the Kerala Congress, led by veteran leader PJ Joseph, has made it clear that even if the UDF accommodate disgruntled members of the Mani group, his party will not allow a reduction in their seats.