Even as the key political formations in Kerala have begun warming up to the impending by-election in Pala, the Kerala Congress (M) [KC(M)] is entering a delicate and perhaps a pivotal period.
Factional struggle, always lively, is gradually intensifying with another significant reshuffle of the political cards in the offing. The positions that are up for grabs — party chairman, parliamentary party leader, and contestant in Pala — fell vacant following K.M. Mani’s death last month.
Though the discussions are yet to start off formally, both sides have already begun pushing their cases, although gently. Rumours are also doing the rounds about nine KC(M) district presidents meeting C.F. Thomas, the party deputy chairman, and demanding elevation of Jose K. Mani, the party vice chairman, as the new chairman.
A full-blown battle of succession, however, is expected to kick off with a meeting of the parliamentary party.
According to party sources, the recent article that appeared on ‘Prathichchaya,’ the mouthpiece of the party, was reflective of the deepening crisis within the party. The article by Kurias Kumbalakkuzhy, editor of the publication, unleashed a major criticism of the party working chairman P.J. Joseph and Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala for leaving an enfeebled Mani in the lurch during a crisis situation.
Holding Mr. Joseph of not standing by Mani during the bar bribery case, it accused Mr. Chennithala of complicating the situation by dragging the investigation into a scam.
While the KC(M) leadership was quick to turn down the content’s of the article, terming it as the personal opinion of the writer, observers insist that it indeed echoed the sentiments of the Mani faction. ‘‘The timing of its publication assumes significance as the party gears up for electing a new leader to succeed its founder chairman,’’ they pointed out.
The Mani faction, which enjoys a clear majority in the party’s State, high-power and parliamentary committees, is firm on his son becoming the next chairman. Mr. Joseph, on the other hand, is most likely to opt out of the race. Instead, he would be demanding the elevation of C.F. Thomas to the position, while also staking claim as the next parliamentary party leader.
‘‘There is a reasonable chance that the Mani faction will demand Mr. Joseph to step down as the working chairman and offer the position to Mani’s scion. Whether Mr. Joseph will agree to this or not is yet to be seen,’’ said a party leader, adding that a great deal would depend on the outcomes of the various party forums meetings.
When contacted, Mr. Jose K. Mani said any discussion with regard to the new leadership would kick off after a preliminary meeting of the party leadership. ‘‘The meetings of the various party forums will be scheduled on completion of the 41-day mourning period and the appointment to the vacant positions will be made accordingly,’’ he said.