Jose K Mani meets Cochin Bishop, says no politics discussed

Kochi: Amid chatter about disputes within Kerala Congress (M) over the possibility of the party switching fronts, party chairperson Jose K Mani visited the Diocose of Cochin Bishop on Thursday.

Mani visited Bishop Antony Kattiparambil at his residence in Fort Kochi. Both claimed it was a courtesy visit. The meeting comes against the backdrop of speculation that there were disagreements within the party regarding switching to the UDF.


Addressing reporters after the visit, Mani said there was no politics involved. When asked about reports of disagreements, he claimed such claims were fabricated tales made up by the media.

Mani added that he thought such speculations were put to rest on Jan 16, when he said that KC(M)'s return to the UDF was "a book that was not opened". His statement had come following reports about discussions over a potential switch. He had reaffirmed his loyalty to the LDF to put a stop to the speculation.

Bishop Kattiparambil also said the meeting was not about politics. He said that while there were concerns for the Church, he did not feel it was appropriate to discuss them at this point.