P.J.Joseph may officially sever 3-decade-long ties with CPM-led LDF today

Kottayam: Today is the D- day for P.J.Joseph to sever his three decade-long ties with the CPM-led LDF. No doubt, the state committee meet of his group of the Kerala Congress would decide to merge into the group led by K.M.Mani, whose group is a partner of the Congress-led UDF.

Disgruntled elements P.C.Thomas and a few of his colleagues are meeting separately to ‘expel’ P.J.Joseph from the party which exists in the name of none other than P.J.Joseph and to elect a new chairman, none other than P.C.Thomas. This dissident group has the support of one MLA, V.Surendran Pillai whose ambition to become a minister is close at hand for realization. He may be a minister for at least six months.The erstwhile Joseph would have the distinction of metamorphosing all MLAs into ministers- Joseph, T.U.Kuruvilla, Mons Joseph and now Surendran Pillai. What is the harm in Surendran Pillai becoming a minister, provided the LDF gives the green signal at least after some time?

P.J.Joseph would resign from the ministry today, and he may hand over the resignation letter to Chief Minister V.S.Achuthanandan, perhaps, on May Day.
Congress Party is at a great disadvantage. Its followers were spanking Joseph group all these years. All on a sudden how can the Congress activists whitewash Joseph et al? But, even though there may be sound and fury initially, they will have to sing hallelujah to Mani, Joseph and all.

It would be erroneous to completely ignore Mani. In politics, minor developments have resulted in major devastations. Could there be a third front, if Mani is ignored?
Interlocutors for Joseph might have bargained for positions for their well being. Mons Joseph who had no chance to survive might have ensured his Kaduthuruthy borough. Francis George may be satisfied with an Assembly seat. Will Congress accede a Rajya Sabha seat to Joseph at some point of time in the future?

Everything would be safe and secure, provided the goings on conclude as anticipated.