Congress initiates talks to bring Kerala Congress (M) back to UDF amid internal rift

T'puram: Congress has initiated formal-level discussions with the Kerala Congress (Mani) in an effort to explore the possibility of bringing the party back into the UDF fold ahead of the upcoming assembly elections. Opposition leader V D Satheesan and IUML leader P K Kunhalikutty were understood to have held preliminary talks with KC(M) chairman Jose K Mani in this regard.However, the reported parleys triggered sharp internal differences within the KC(M), with minister Roshy Augustine firmly rejecting any move to realign with UDF. Responding to reports of discussions, Augustine asserted that there would be no change in the party's alliance and that the KC(M) would remain a constituent of the LDF and the state govt.In a social media post, Jose K Mani dismissed speculation over the party's political stance, stating that ongoing external discussions had no relevance to the KC(M). He alleged that opinions being aired on the issue were part of a deliberate attempt to destabilise the party. Every decision in the party will be taken collectively, he said.While KC(M) leadership officially denied that talks with the UDF were under way, Congress leaders maintained that informal channels of communication were open. Sources said Congress high command and a section of Church leaders were in touch with Jose K Mani. However, the party's two MLAs — Augustine and Pramod Narayanan — were reportedly opposed to any move to realign with the UDF ahead of the elections.Augustine said he was unaware of any such discussions and claimed that similar rumours about Kerala Congress (M) had surfaced repeatedly in the past. He added that the party chairman already clarified the reasons for not participating in the state govt's protest against Centre and insisted that there was no internal confusion or cause for surprise over a possible alliance shift.Reiterating the stand of KC(M), Augustine said the party was guided by credibility and political ethics, and that Jose K Mani's social media post was misinterpreted. "Kerala Congress (M) will continue as part of the Left Front and the govt. There is no doubt about the continuation of Left rule," he said.Despite these assertions, reports suggested that differences persisted within the KC(M) leadership. While Jose K Mani and a section of the party were said to be open to reconsidering the alliance, Augustine and Narayanan were in favour of remaining with the LDF. In a clear signal of continuity, the two MLAs recently shared a social media post featuring themselves alongside chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan and other cabinet colleagues.A crucial steering committee meeting of KC(M) is scheduled for Jan 16, during which the alliance question and related political developments are expected to be discussed. A final decision on the party's future course may emerge from the meeting.