Narrative on rift in KC(M) fake, Minister didn’t violate discipline with Pala remarks: Jose K. Mani

Kerala Congress (M) president Jose K. Mani on Saturday sought to downplay reports of perceived rift between him and party leader and Water Resources Minister Roshy Augustine, saying such media narratives were fake.

Mr. Mani reiterated that there was nothing wrong with the statements made by Mr. Augustine about his candidacy in the Pala Assembly constituency in the upcoming elections.

Speaking to the media here on the last day of the central Kerala leg of the Left Democratic Front’s (LDF) Vikasana Munnetta Jatha primaries, Mr. Mani said Mr. Augustine had not violated party discipline in his statement that the party president would contest from Pala.

“Mr. Augustine only said that the party will decide, he said that the party does not decide. Everyone has the freedom to express their opinion. His intentions were good,” Mr. Mani said, adding on a lighter note that he also liked the comment. He said he shared a brotherly bond with Mr. Augustine.

“Kerala Congress (M) also wants me to contest but the decision is up to the party,” Mr. Mani said.

He said the question of breach of party discipline would arise only if Mr. Augustine stated that he should not participate in the contest.

Mr Augustine’s recent announcement in Adimaly that Mr Mani will contest from Pala, once the party’s stronghold, has triggered a fresh round of speculation about a rift in the party and allegations that the Minister is trying to sideline the party president.

On Saturday, Mr. Mani categorically stated that his party does not want to pursue controversies but wants to discuss the developments initiated by the LDF government. He said narratives of discord in his party emerged in response to the success of the LDF’s rally. “As the captain of the rating, I did not expect such an intense response from the people. Even in UDF-held constituencies, we could see on people’s faces their excitement about LDF remaining in power for another term,” he said.