KC(M) succession row heading to court

Hearing in plea against Mani on July 1

With the doors of consensus almost closed after the mediation attempts involving the United Democratic Front (UDF) coming to a naught, the battle of succession in the Kerala Congress (M) is now most certain to be settled in a court.

The Munsif Court at Thodupuzha, which earlier issued a preventive injunction on Jose K. Mani from officiating as the KC(M) chairman, has now advanced the date on hearing a petition against Mr. Mani to July 1 from July 17. The action follows an advance petition filed by the Mani faction leaders.

According to sources, the Mani faction will be approaching the High Court in case of not receiving a stay order from the munsif court here. ‘‘With the battle set to be fought legally, both sides are now focusing on garnering support from the maximum number of workers as well as leaders. The convention of a State committee by the Mani faction in Kottayam and the hunger protest by the Joseph faction in front of the Secretariat are all part of this,’’ they pointed out.

While Mr. Joseph enjoys the support of three out of five party legislators, the Mani faction boasts the support of two Parliament members.

Nellore’s statement

A statement by Kerala Congress (Jacob) leader Johny Nellore in support of Mr. Joseph on Wednesday drew a sharp reaction from the Mani faction. Talking to media persons at Thodupuzha, Mr. Nellore pointed out that the election of Mr. Mani as the party chairman had set a wrong precedent. The Mani faction termed the statement immature and maintained that the party required no interlopers to settle its internal issues.