Narrative on rift in KC(M) fake, Minister didn’t violate discipline with Pala remarks: Jose K. Mani

Jose K. Mani dismisses rift rumors with Roshy Augustine, affirming no discipline breach regarding Pala candidacy remarks.

Kerala Congress (M) chairman Jose K. Mani on Saturday attempted to downplay the reports of a perceived rift between him and party leader and Water Resources Minister Roshy Augustine, saying such media narratives were fake.

Mr. Mani reiterated that there was nothing wrong in Mr. Augustine’s remarks over his candidature in Pala Assembly constituency in the upcoming elections.

Speaking to the media here on the final day of the central Kerala leg of the Left Democratic Front’s (LDF) pre-election Vikasana Munnetta Jatha, Mr. Mani said that there was no violation of party discipline in Mr. Augustine’s statement that the party chairman will contest from Pala.

“Mr. Augustine only said that the party will decide, not that the party has decided. Everybody has the freedom to voice their opinion. His intention was good,” Mr. Mani said, adding, on a lighter note, that he liked the comment too. He said he shared a brotherly bond with Mr. Augustine.

“Kerala Congress (M) also wishes that I contest, but it’s upto the party to decide,” Mr. Mani said.

He said the question of violating party discipline would have arose only if Mr. Augustine had stated that he should not contest.