Kerala Congress (M) Stands Firm with LDF Amid Election Speculations

Kerala Congress (M), led by Jose K Mani, reaffirms its alliance with the LDF following recent local body elections, dismissing speculations about rejoining the UDF. While acknowledging electoral setbacks, Mani commits to introspection and improvement. The UDF's local successes have fueled debates about KC(M)'s potential return, met with mixed reactions.

In a decisive statement following the recent local body elections, Jose K Mani, Chairman of Kerala Congress (M), confirmed the party's continued alliance with the ruling LDF amid swirling speculations of a potential shift back to the Congress-led UDF.

Addressing the media, Mani dismissed any theories of an imminent movement, reiterating the party's commitment to the coalition that welcomed them after the demise of K M Mani, the party's former leader and his father. This reaffirmation comes in response to the UDF's notable gains in the elections, sparking internal discourse about the reintegration of KC(M).

While some within the UDF favor this strategic reunion, opposition persists, particularly from factions like Kerala Congress (Joseph). Despite the electoral setbacks, Mani emphasized maintaining the party's organisational integrity, promising thorough introspection and rectification, even as the LDF retained seven district panchayats across Kerala.

(With inputs from agencies.)