The rift in the United Democratic Front (UDF) came to light on Wednesday when the faction led by José K Mani announced its departure. Mani, the head of Kerala’s Congress (M), also announced his resignation from Rajya Sabha and joined the ruling Left Democratic Front or LDF.
The KC (M) faction leaves the UDF after 38 years. Mani was elected a member of the Upper House of Parliament with the support of the UDF.
His faction was in a bad mood for some time after the UDF sided with its rival faction led by PJ Joseph. The party split in two after the death of party chairman KM Mani last year.
Announcing the decision, Mani told a press conference that the party suffered greatly on the UDF field. He also stated that politics in Kerala will undergo many changes after this decision.
However, KC (M) Kottayam’s Lok Sabha member Thomas Chazikadan will not resign.
Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has welcomed KC (M) ‘s decision. He said it will strengthen the democratic and secular forces in the state.
The Kerala Congress is predominantly a Christian party with a strong base in the center of Travancore and the LDF is seeking minority votes with the new alignment.
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