Invitation to Kerala Congress (M) for merger was sincere: Apu John Joseph

Idukki: Kerala Congress (J) leader Apu John Joseph on Sunday said the invitation extended to the Kerala Congress (M) faction to return was made sincerely.

The Kerala Congress (Joseph) faction, part of the UDF, won seven seats in the Assembly elections, while Kerala Congress (Mani), which is part of the LDF, failed to win any constituency.

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Both P J Joseph (party chairman) and Apu John Joseph had earlier stated that Kerala Congress (M) would be welcomed with open arms if it returned to their fold.

However, Kerala Congress (M) chairman Jose K Mani on Saturday alleged that the offer was made in a manner insulting his party and its leaders.

Speaking to reporters, Apu John Joseph, who won from the Thodupuzha constituency, said his statement inviting the Mani faction to return was made sincerely.

He said the reference to the Biblical parable of the prodigal son in his earlier remarks was not intended in a negative sense.

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"If they are hurt by the parable, I am withdrawing it. My statement asking them to return was made sincerely. If they return, we will welcome them with open hands. As a Kerala Congress worker, I feel the collapse of a party founded by K M Mani is not appropriate for the political balance in the state," he said.

He described Kerala Congress (M) as a sibling party.

"At one time, we all worked together. The party founded by K M Mani should not collapse, it should continue to exist," he said.

He said his father P J Joseph was the first leader to publicly declare that the doors of the party remained open for all. "Until he closes the door, anyone can come to us," he said.

He also said Kerala Congress (M) should accept the electoral defeat and undertake corrective measures.

"Even though I am not a political expert to advise them, they should return to the people and actively involve themselves in public issues. Kerala Congress parties, which identify themselves as farmers' parties, should strongly engage in agrarian and land-related issues instead of merely supporting the government," he said.

He said there should be a strong opposition in the state despite the defeat suffered by LDF parties, including the CPI(M), in the Assembly election.

"If one-front domination comes, the political and social stability of the state will change. For a healthy political environment in Kerala, there should be an equally strong opposition," he said.

He said people could expect good governance from the UDF government in the next five years.

Apu John Joseph added that Kerala Congress would work to resolve farmers' and land-related issues, especially in Idukki district.

He declined to comment on his preference for the chief minister's post, saying it was an internal matter of the Congress and that the party had capable leadership to choose the right person to lead the state.