Kottayam, 16 Jan (H.S.):

Amid persistent speculation over a possible realignment of political alliances, the Kerala Congress (M) will hold a crucial meeting of its Steering Committee today. The meeting is scheduled to begin at 11 a.m. at the party’s state committee office in Kottayam and is expected to play a decisive role in clarifying the party’s future political course.

Although party chairman Jose K Mani has publicly reiterated that the Kerala Congress (M) remains firm in its current political position, sources indicate that discussions related to a potential shift in alliances could still surface during the meeting.

Despite Jose K Mani’s repeated dismissal of alliance-switching talks, uncertainty continues to prevail among party cadres and local leadership.

Political observers note that if the issue of changing fronts is raised, a strong section within the party—led by Minister Roshy Augustine—is expected to oppose any move away from the Left Democratic Front (LDF).

The LDF leadership, meanwhile, is hopeful that internal resistance within the Kerala Congress (M) will prevent any abrupt political shift.

There are also reports suggesting that the Chief Minister played a key role in persuading the party leadership to maintain the status quo.

At the same time, internal deliberations are reportedly underway within the Kerala Congress (M) to ensure unity if a decision to realign is eventually taken.

Sources claim that any move towards the United Democratic Front (UDF) would be attempted only if all senior leaders, including Roshy Augustine, could be brought on board together.

Efforts are also said to be in progress to consolidate support from district committees to avoid a split.

The party currently has five MLAs in the Kerala Assembly. According to reports, three legislators are inclined to remain with the LDF, while two are believed to be more favourable towards the UDF. MLA N. Jayaraj, who had earlier maintained an ambiguous position, is now understood to be leaning towards staying with the LDF alongside Roshy Augustine.

Meanwhile, the UDF has adopted a wait-and-watch approach. UDF leaders maintain that any initiative for talks must come from the Kerala Congress (M) itself. UDF convenor Adoor Prakash has stated that no discussions have been held with the Kerala Congress (M) regarding a possible alliance change.

Reiterating his stance recently, Jose K Mani asserted that the party would continue with the LDF and remarked that there was no need for others to worry about Kerala Congress (M). He also reiterated that wherever the Kerala Congress exists, it remains part of the ruling dispensation.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman