Left turn not easy for Kerala Congress rebels

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: With Opposition Leader V S Achuthanandan and a section of LDF opposed to instant entry of KCM rebel group led by Francis George, the possibility of expansion of the front ahead of the Assembly poll looks unlikely at this stage.

Apprehensions are also being raised in LDF quarters about having a person like Antony Raju on board who was defending former finance minister in bribe case all through. Moreover, there are other parties which have been waiting to gain entry into LDF. Many in the LDF say it would not be appropriate to admit the breakaway faction without considering the request of those who are in the queue.

Despite , Achuthanandan’s opposition a powerful section within the party is in favour of exploiting the situation politically.  They say since elections are more than two months away there is ample time at LDF’s disposal to discuss and sort out the matter amicably.

It may be recalled that CPM politburo member Pinarayi Vijayan had stated that the Kerala Congress break away faction with or without P J Joseph was welcome to LDF. Meanwhile, the breakaway faction leaders including Antony Raju have stepped up attack on Mani accusing him of nepotism.

The rebel leader has accused Jose K Mani of holding secret parleys with BJP president Amit Shah. He said there was no democracy within Kerala Congress party and even organisational elections had not been held .

On the question of LDF taking them into their fold, the rebel leaders say the matter would be discussed with them  and decided at an appropriate time.