Kerala Congress (M) fast losing its sheen

KOTTAYAM: The  Kerala Congress (M), which has lost its bargaining power with the recent departure of the faction led by Mr Francis George and also Mr P.C. George earlier,  may have to be content with its existing number of 15 seats though it has demanded two more. 

There were suggestions to exchange  Poonjar  and Kuttanad  with the Congress,  but with the Congress  rejecting  Mr K.M. Mani’s demand for more seats, the status quo is likely to continue.

The KC(M) lacks a strong candidate in Kuttanad  and may give it up if it is given another seat,   a KC (M) leader told DC.  The KC (M) would like to get  Punalur and Ranny, but would be satisfied with one.  If it is allotted  Punalur, KC (M) Kollam district president Benny Kakkad may be fielded from there.

Earlier,  a section of KC (M) leaders had suggested giving up  Kuttanad   to placate the Congress and thus ensure Mr Mani’s victory in Pala where he is facing a triangular fight with LDF’s Mani C. Kappan and NDA’s P.C. Thomas. 

However, there were also protests by KC(M) workers against the move. The Congress leadership contends that the influence of KC(M) is now limited to Kottayam district and that it cannot be given more seats.