Cong to forgo RS seat to rope in Mani

Decision follows talks Rahul had with party leaders from the State

The Congress has decided to give up its claim to the lone Rajya Sabha seat that the United Democratic Front (UDF) can win in the June 21 biennial elections from the State in order to pave the way for Kerala Congress (M) led by K.M. Mani to return to the coalition.

The decision to give up the Rajya Sabha seat was taken after discussions Congress leaders had with Congress president Rahul Gandhi. Indian Union Muslim League general secretary P.K. Kunhalikutty played the mediator’s role to get Mr. Mani and his party back, ostensibly to strengthen the UDF.

With the new development, Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha P.J. Kurien has failed to get renomination to the Upper House. Mr. Kurien is to retire on June 30.

It was Mr. Kunhalikutty’s firm stand that the KC(M) should be given the seat that forced the hand of the Congress high command. But Congress leaders, especially juniors, it seemed, were unable to digest the turn of events as they had been gunning for the outgoing Rajya Sabha member P.J. Kurien, to block him from getting yet another term.

The path for Mr. Mani’s return to the UDF fold was laid on the eve of the Chengannur byelection when senior UDF leaders met him at his residence at Pala seeking his support.

Thursday’s meeting in New Delhi only confirmed the original script of what the KC(M) perceives as a honourable settlement to return home.

Emergency session

Mr. Mani quit the UDF months after the 2016 Assembly elections citing differences with the Congress. But ties continued in the local bodies and at times in the Assembly. In between, Mr. Mani’s hobnobbing with the Communist Party of India (Marxist) triggered speculation that his party was drifting to the Left Democratic Front. The UDF has convened an emergency session of its high-power committee at 11 a.m. on Friday to formally invite Mr. Mani and announce the seat. The KC(M)’s legislature party is meeting an hour before that to formally decide to join the UDF.

Speaking to mediapersons, Leader of the Opposition Ramesh Chennithala said the decision was prompted by the general popular perception that secular forces should stand united and continue its struggle against the anti-people policies of the LDF. Mr. Kunhalikutty said his party had decided to intervene in the issue with a perspective that included the history of the UDF and the role that Mr. Mani had played in shaping the coalition and the necessity of secular forces staying united ahead of the 2019 Lok Sabha.

Former Chief Minister Oommen Chandy said the decision to give the seat to the KC(M) was a one-time decision against the backdrop of the prevailing extraordinary situation. Jose K. Mani, MP conducted the negotiations for the KC(M). Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee president M.M. Hassan said the need of the hour was to unitedly fight the CPI(M)-led LDF and the BJP in the 2019 elections.