The claim of ‘seniority’ raised by Kerala Congress (M) acting chairman PJ.Joseph appears to have cast a shadow over the reconciliation talks between the warring party factions.
On Monday, general secretary Stephen George, a leader identified with the Jose K. Mani faction, came out in the open questioning the validity of the claim. “If seniority is the only criterion, why did Mr.Joseph contest the party chairman’s post in 1978,” asked Mr.George.
He also pointed to Mons Joseph becoming a legislator replacing O.Lukose, a senior party leader, in 1996.
The faction supporting KC(M) vice chairman Jose K. Mani is objected to leaving the party chairman’s post to Mr.Joseph on the basis of seniority.
The faction has proposed a compromise formula by which Mr.Mani will become the next chairman while Mr.Joseph can be appointed the parliamentary party leader.
The Joseph faction, however, is is yet to agree to it and insists on Mr.Joseph becoming the next chairman. The faction is also willing to consider KC(M) deputy chairman C.F.Thomas for the post.