Kerala Congress (M) chairman Jose K. Mani will contest from Pala, says Water Resources Minister Roshy Augustine

Amid growing speculation over the candidacy of Kerala Congress (M) chairman Jose K. Mani for the Pala constituency in the forthcoming Assembly election, KC(M) leader and Water Resources Minister Roshy Augustine on Tuesday officially announced that Mr. Mani would contest the seat.

Addressing mediapersons alongside Mr. Mani in Adimaly during the Left Democratic Front’s central zone rally, Mr. Augustine said there should be no ambiguity regarding the party chairman’s candidacy. “Mr. Mani will win the election by a huge margin. The LDF will secure a huge majority in the upcoming Assembly elections and retain power,” he said.

Responding to the Minister’s announcement, Mr. Mani stated that the party would soon finalise candidates and their respective constituencies. However, party sources indicated that Mr. Augustine’s declaration at the press briefing reflected a decision already settled within the party.

Mr. Mani also drew attention to persistent land-related grievances in the hilly district of Idukki, describing them as a critical concern. He noted that several issues involving the Forest department could not be resolved by the State government alone and required intervention from the Centre.

He further praised the LDF government, stating that it had addressed concerns raised by the KC(M) over the past five years. “It is the only government in the country that has successfully taken steps to resolve the problems faced by farmers in hilly districts, including Idukki,” he added.

On his rivalry with Pala MLA Mani C. Kappen, Mr. Mani responded: “Mr. Kappen is technically part of the Puthuyuga Yatra led by Leader of the Opposition V.D. Satheesan, yet he continues to remain in Pala. If I come across any developmental failures in the constituency, I will point them out. This should not be seen as a personal criticism,” he said.