Kerala Congress (M) chairman Jose K. Mani on Thursday (January 22, 2026) visited Kochi Bishop Antony Kattiparambil at the headquarters of the Diocese of Cochin at Fort Kochi, triggering political speculation in the wake of alleged disputes within the party over a possible shift to the United Democratic Front (UDF).
Mr. Mani, however, described the visit as “private” and dismissed reports linking it to politics.
Jose K. Mani rejects speculations of alliance shift, says KC(M) is ‘happy’ within LDF
Asked whether the meeting was connected to the reported internal dispute over switching fronts, he said it was merely a “tale woven and celebrated by the media.” He added that he had “expected such speculation to have ended on January 14” and, with a touch of sarcasm, “thanked” the media for considering KC(M) among political heavyweights.
On January 14, Mr. Mani had sought to quell speculation about a potential return to the UDF, stating that it was a “book that has not been opened,” while reaffirming his loyalty to the Left Democratic Front (LDF).
