KOTTAYAM: While a number of leaders belonging to the P.J. Joseph faction of the Kerala Congress (M) are joining the dissident faction led by Mr Francis George, a section of KC (M) workers feels that Mr Joseph is not doing enough to stem the erosion.
The leaders who have joined the dissidents say that they still have good relationship with Mr Joseph even after their resignation. Though Mr Joseph had said on Sunday that the dissidents did not have his silent consent, he has done nothing to prevent their exit.
“None of those joining the dissident group belong to the Mani faction. But instead of denouncing them, Mr Joseph is showing a soft corner to them,” a KC(M) leader told DC.
Those who have left the KC(M) include state general secretaries A.J. Joseph, Mathew Kunnapilly, Elias Zacharia, Jose Valamattom, KC(M) Thrissur district president M.P. Pauly, Kerala Students Union (KSC) state president Anson P. Antony and Kerala state Teachers Front (KSTF) state president James Kurian of the Joseph faction. Former MP and KC(M) leader Vakkachan Mattathil has extended his support to the dissidents.
Those who are familiar with Kerala Congress politics say that most of those leaving the party are opposed to Mr K.M. Mani. “They have used this opportunity to ditch him,” said political observer George Podipara. However, senior Kerala Congress (M) leader Joseph M. Puthussery denied that many were quitting the party. “Fewer than ten have left the 90-member steering committee. Then how can one say that many are leaving the Joseph faction,” he asked.
