Kottayam: The P.J. Joseph group has opposed the move of Kerala Congress (M) chairman K.M. Mani to join the NDA even as there are reports that the BJP national leadership will soon conduct discussions with Mr Mani. Mr Joseph has been offered the post of Governor to appease him, but he is yet to respond to the move. The Joseph group has expressed its displeasure in remaining alone and also frowned on Mr Mani's plan to go ahead with the discussions with the NDA alliance.
The disagreement was voiced by prominent Joseph group leader Mons Joseph, which was later backed by Mr Joseph. However, KC (M) sources said that Mr Joseph and Mr Mons Joseph, MLAs, cannot leave the party because of the anti-defection law, according to which more than half the number of MLAs must break away to avoid disqualification. The rest of the four KC(M) MLAs are with the Mani group.
According to KC (M) sources, the party leadership had raised the demand to join the NDA at the Charalkunnu conclave, but a few legislators and leaders were not for it. But the party will hold discussions with the NDA soon, sources, said. The KC(M) will present a package to the NDA leadership raising various demands, including on the rubber price and Kasturirangan report. "The future relations will be based on the NDA leadership accepting our demands," said KC (M) sources.
