Kerala Congress (M) puts off NDA option for now
The party was also worried whether the Congress could engineer a split should it choose to go with the NDA.
KOTTAYAM: The Charalkunnu conclave of the Kerala Congress (M) did discuss the option of siding with the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), but put off a decision until it got a stronger signal from the BJP. Party sources said the Kerala Congress (M) wanted to get an assurance from the BJP on two of its key demands so that it can sustain the image of being a pro-farmer party: a package for rubber farmers ensuring Rs 200 per kg and a favorable stand regarding the implementation of the Kasturirangan report.
“A firm commitment from the BJP on these two issues could swing the party’s decision,” the sources said. A section in the Catholic church leadership also favoured such a move in case the Centre took it easy on the report, the strict implementation of which could affect the lives of the farmer community. However, representatives from district committees including Kannur opposed the move.
While the party publicly asserted that it has no plans for a truck with the BJP, the discussions at the party conclave veered around the possibility of gravitating to the NDA, but Mr Mani himself stepped in to hold the decision for the time being to keep the party united. The party was also worried whether the Congress could engineer a split should it choose to go with the NDA.
The sources said Mr Mani took the PJ Joseph group, which was reluctant for a saffron turn, into confidence before finalising the decisions. A party leader said the decision to sit as a separate block in the assembly for the time being will also help it drive a hard bargain with the BJP, which includes a berth for Kottyam MP Jose K. Mani in the union council of ministers.