Cong will examine political aspects of KC groups� merger

PALAKKAD: As the lead partner of the UDF, the Congress would examine the political impact of the merger move of Kerala Congress factions led by P J Joseph and K M Mani, KPCC president Ramesh Chennithala said Thursday.

Though the Congress was keen to avoid any open debate on the issue, the sentiments of its supporters and people at large would be taken into account before formulating its position on the development, Chennithala told reporters.

Chennithala said Kerala Congress (M) leader K M Mani, whose outfit is part of UDF, spoke to him on the issue only Wednesday.

On strong reservation expressed by the youth and student outfits of the Congress on allowing Joseph to have a smooth entry to the UDF from the LDF, Chennithala said though the feeder outfits enjoyed freedom of expression they need not be taken as the views of the parent party.

Meanwhile, former Chief Minister Oommen Chandy said in Thrissur that KPCC had communicated to Mani the partys views on the merger plan but it was not proper on his part to disclose it now.