Jose K. Mani will contest the election from Pala, says Roshy Augustine

Kerala Congress (M) leader and Water Resources Minister Roshy Augustine has reiterated that party chairperson Jose K. Mani will contest the upcoming Assembly election from the Pala constituency.

Addressing the media here on Friday, Mr. Augustine confirmed Mr. Mani’s candidacy. “When people believe in a party, they expect strong leadership. I reiterate my stand: the party chairperson will contest the election,” he said.

“The Kerala Congress (M) chairperson will continue to lead the party and contest the election. Pala is not a lost seat. We will rectify our shortcomings and return twice as strong. The chairperson has stated that the party will take a formal decision at the organisational level,” he added.

Rumours surface

The repeated nature of Mr. Augustine’s assertions suggests possible differences of opinion within the party regarding Mr. Mani’s candidacy in Pala. Rumours surfaced after Mr. Augustine formally announced Mr. Mani’s candidacy while addressing the media alongside him in Adimaly, Idukki, on February 10 during the Left Democratic Front’s central zone rally. On that occasion, when Mr. Mani was asked about contesting, Mr. Augustine took the microphone to declare his candidacy. Notably, Mr. Mani declined to confirm his candidature at the event.

Mr. Augustine dismissed rumours of internal instability, stating, “My earlier statement was not accidental; it was planned. The Kerala Congress (M) is not facing anarchy. The party has strong leadership.” He also indicated that he intends to contest from Idukki again in the forthcoming Assembly election.