PJ Joseph relents, says he will not split party

IDUKKI: Kerala congress (M) working chairman P J Joseph said on Saturday he will not cause a split in the party over its decision not to field him from the Kottayam Lok Sabha seat.

“I will not cause a split. But I will continue to protest against such injustices within the party and revive inner party democracy,” Joseph said while speaking at a news conference in Thodupuzha .

“I had made it clear that I was ready to contest from Kottayam, Idukki or Chalakkudy at the parliamentary party meeting. But Jose K Mani turned down my suggestion. It was pointed out that a candidate from outside Kottayam will not be considered. UDF leaders agreed to field me from Idukki but I did not want to contest with the hand symbol,” he said.

“I will work towards the victory of UDF candidates in all the seats. I can't work with Jose K Mani. But I will continue in the party to support the UDF,” Joseph added.

“Many outside candidates had contested several elections in the history of the state. Jose K Mani raised such an issue only to deny me ticket,” he said.