Jose K. Mani’s massive rally in Pala sparks buzz of his candidature for Assembly polls

A massive rally organized by Youth Front (M), the youth wing of Kerala Congress (M), in Pala on Saturday evening has once again sparked discussions about the candidature of Jose K. Mani, chairman of Kerala Congress (M), in the upcoming Assembly election.

Addressing the march, Mr. Mani said that a youth movement in Pala is gaining momentum to reclaim the losses the town has suffered due to the negligence and disregard of those entrusted with public responsibilities. “There has been a development stagnation in Pala for the past seven years, and it is time to move away from that and get back on the path of progress,” he said.

Party workers see this as a clear indication that Mr. Mani will likely contest from Pala in the upcoming election.

Mr. Mani had contested the 2021 Assembly elections from Pala but secured only 39.3% of the votes, finishing second behind Mani C. Kappen of the UDF. That defeat also marked the second consecutive loss for Kerala Congress (M) in Pala, a seat it had held for 11 consecutive terms since its formation.

The buzz about Mr. Mani’s possible switch to Kaduthuruthy gained momentum during the inauguration of the Kerala Science City in Kottayam a month ago. Speculation was further fuelled by the fact that the LDF holds power in nine out of the 11 panchayats in the Kaduthuruthy Assembly segment. However, these rumours eventually subsided.