Kottayam : Kerala politics is witnessing a high-stakes drama as intense pressure mounts on Kerala Congress (M) Chairman Jose K. Mani to break ties with the ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF) and return to the United Democratic Front (UDF) fold. The party finds itself in a precarious state of ‘Trishanku’ (limbo), with its rank and file overwhelmingly favouring a UDF alliance, even as a section of leaders expresses loyalty to the LDF.
The political scenario is reminiscent of the days of Jose K. Mani’s late father, K. M. Mani, who was known for aligning the party with the sentiments of its core workers. With crucial local body and assembly elections just months away, the younger Mani is reportedly facing an imminent deadline for a decision.
Grassroots and Clergy Push for UDF
Sources close to the party indicate that the overwhelming sentiment at the grassroots level is for a return to the UDF. This pro-UDF current is amplified by a strong, palpable anti-government sentiment across the state, coupled with public disillusionment over issues like the Sabarimala controversy. “Even a child knows the Pinarayi government’s time is up,” noted one political observer, highlighting the severity of the public mood.
The party, which draws significant support from the Christian community, is also being lobbied by bishops and religious leaders, who have openly expressed their desire for the Catholic-leaning Kerala Congress to be part of the UDF.
UDF’s Open Invitation vs. LDF’s Downgraded Portfolio
The speculation gained further traction after UDF Convener Adoor Prakash publicly extended an open invitation to the Kerala Congress to rejoin the opposition front.
A significant point of political comparison is the portfolio held by the party in the two fronts. While K. M. Mani, during the UDF years, commanded the powerful Finance portfolio, a strategic department that gave him considerable leverage, Jose K. Mani’s faction in the current LDF cabinet was allocated the less-influential Irrigation portfolio. This perceived ‘downgrade’ is cited as another reason pushing Jose K. Mani towards a change in allegiance.
Kottayam Politics and Internal Frictions
Adding to the internal pressure is the strained relationship between Jose K. Mani and Devassom Minister V. N. Vasavan, a key confidant of Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. Political observers note Vasavan’s alleged attempts to undermine Jose K. Mani’s influence in their shared political bastion of Kottayam. This contrasts sharply with the approach of former UDF Chief Minister Oommen Chandy, who consistently accorded K. M. Mani the political supremacy in the district, which was considered key to the UDF’s stability.
Political analysts suggest that Jose K. Mani will likely choose to “jump ship at the right time,” viewing the strong anti-incumbency wave as a clear signal to align the party with the winning trajectory—a move his father K. M. Mani’s legacy would likely endorse. A quick decision is anticipated as both fronts strategize for the forthcoming polls.
