Rebel KC(J) faction likely to get ministerial berth

TPURAM: A faction of Kerala Congress (J) which did not agree with the merger plan of the party with a constituent of opposition UDF, is likely to get a ministerial berth in the LDF ministry in Kerala.

The faction, led by former Union Minister P C Thomas, has staked claim for the ministerial berth that fell vacant with the removal of KC(J) leader and PWD Minister P J Joseph by Chief Minister V S Achuthanandan from the Cabinet shortly after Joseph announced his partys decision to quit ruling LDF and merge with Congress-led UDF partner KC(M).

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 lone KC(J) MLA V Surendran Pillai, who stood against the merger move.