Thiruvananthapuram: The Congress has taken a stance that Mani C. Kappan faction, which joined the UDF from NCP, cannot be considered an ally. KPCC president Mullappally Ramachandran clarified his stance at a time when Kappan is trying to create a party with the name NCP Kerala.

Meanwhile in Delhi, AICC general secretary K. C. Venugopal also agreed to Mullappally’s stance. Although Kappan faction’s arrival will help the UDF in central Travancore, there are limitations in providing more seats, he said.

The UDF had no objection to NCP, as a party, leaving LDF to join them. But only Mani C. Kappan and his supporters decided to join UDF. Hence, Congress is not ready to include them as an ally. Congress has directed Mani C. Kappan to join the party and contest in Pala as its candidate. The other option is for Kappan to contest in Pala as a UDF candidate.

Congress is weary of a risk if Mani C. Kappan faction is considered as an ally and are given more seats. If the two NCP parties decide to merge again, the Congress would be on the losing end. It is this evaluation that has made Congress take the stance to ask Mani C. Kappan to contest as a Congress candidate.

High Command to decide

“It is the Congress High Command which will decide if Mani C Kappan should be made an ally. I have no idea about Kappan being offered 3 seats. Such discussions have never taken place in any meetings in which I have taken part. We are happy to let him contest as a Congress candidate using the hand symbol” – Mullappally Ramachandran

  mullapally