Overview
- The Kerala Congress (M) chief said the party is staying with the Left Democratic Front and described reports of an alliance shift as baseless.
- He cited personal reasons for missing recent Left Front events, noted he had informed the Chief Minister, and said general secretary Stephen George represented the party at meetings.
- Jose K. Mani denied any rift with Water Resources Minister Roshy Augustine, stressing that party decisions are made in consultation and that the leadership remains united.
- He confirmed he will captain the LDF’s central Kerala campaign march from Pathanamthitta to Ernakulam, covering roughly 33 Assembly constituencies, after earlier scheduling concerns with the Budget session.
- Speculation was fueled by media reports, including claims of outreach from Sonia Gandhi, even as KC(M)—a UDF ally until 2020—has contested with the LDF since then, winning five of 12 seats in 2021.