Thiruvananthapuram: The Kerala Congress faction
led by former Union Minister P C Thomas that chose to remain
with LDF splitting Kerala Congress KC-J, which is planning to
merge with UDF constituent KC-M, is likely to get a
ministerial berth in the LDF ministry in Kerala.
With the removal of KC(J) leader and PWD Minister P J Joseph
by Chief Minister V S Achuthanandan from cabinet shortly after
the latter announced his party decision to quit ruling LDF and
merge with Congress-led UDF partner KC(M), the Tomas faction
has staked calim fo the vacant ministerial berth for the lone
KC MLA V Surendran Pillai, who stood against the merger move.
According to P C Thomas, his faction would get all the
positions enjoyed by KC(J) before the exit of Joseph,
including the ministerial berth, which would go to Pillai.
Claiming that his group was the `original` Kerala Congress
as it was Joseph and two other MLAs who switched loyalties,
Thomas said LDF leaders had assured them that their stance
would be rewarded.
Pillai said the Thomas faction had not asked for any
positions and would go by any decision taken by the LDF.
If the LDF decides to induct Pillai into the ministry, he
would be the fourth MLA from the same party (KC-J) who becomes
minister in the last four years.
Joseph had to resign from the ministry only months after
LDF came to power following the charge of misbehaviour towards
a woman passenger aboard a flight, after which T U Kuruvila
was sworn in as minister. Kuruvila was forced to resign later
in connection with charges relating to land deals of his sons.
Mons Joseph was the next nominee of the party to the
ministry. He resigned after Joseph was reinstated following
his acquittal in the case of misbehaviour.
PTI
