Ruling UDF faces coalition pressure in Idukki

In the run up to Lok Sabha elections, the ruling United Democratic Front in Kerala is now facing a serious problem as one of its allies, the Kerala Congress (Mani), has hardened its stance on the Idukki seat, represented by the Congress.

The other coalition partner, Indian Union Muslim League (IUML), which followed a tougher stance in its negotiations on the seat sharing aspect, is now ready to confine with the existing seats. In 2009, the IUML had contested two seats-Malappuram and Ponnani, and the Kerala Congress (M) had won the Kottayam seat.

Interestingly, there is a vertical division in KC(M) over the Idukki issue.

The erstwhile PJ Joseph faction in KC(M) is adamant on the demand, while chairman of the party KM Mani is not very keen. Mani wants the Kottayam seat represented by his son, Jose K Mani. Joseph has been pressing for the seat to field Francis George, a former MP from Idukki and son of KM George, one of the founder leaders of Kerala Congress.

However, the Congress is not ready to give up this seat and PT Thomas, sitting MP from Idukki, had already started a silent campaign. This has created an open war between the leaders of the parties.

PC George, vice chairman, KC(M) and chief whip of the government, had they were not keen on Idukki seat, indicating the division in the party. He said it would be unfair to drop Thomas and field George, who was defeated in the last parliamentary elections.

However, Antony Raju, secretary of KC(M) and a leader from the Joseph faction, said they were ready to have a 'friendly duel' if denied the Idukki seat. There is a strong feeling within the state political circles that the Joseph faction would back out from the UDF over this.

Joseph, who is water resources minister in the Chandy's Cabinet, recently met CPI (M) leader Thomas Issac. The Joseph faction was earlier an ally in the Left Democratic Front (LDF).

The faction has three MLAs and if they withdraw support, the Oommen Chandy ministry will be in trouble.

Meanwhile, Vaikkam Vishwan, convenor of the Left Front, had openly invited Joseph to the Front. But later CPI (M) secretary Pinarayi Vijayan clarified the LDF had not taken a decision to include the Joseph faction.

On Tuesday, Joseph told mediapersons they would strongly press for the Idukki seat, but in no way back out from the UDF.

Meanwhile, Francis George, in an open letter today on behalf of the Catholic Church, said those who do not oppose the Kasturirangan Committee report on Western Ghats should be defeated in the coming elections.

Thomas had criticised the Catholic church and Idukki bishop, Mathew Anikkuzhikkattil, over the Kasturirangan Committee report.