Four Kerala Congress groups to merge into single entity

Kottayam, Nov 22 (UNI) Four Kerala Congress groups in the state today decided to merge together and function as a single party.

A resolution in this regard was adopted at a convention of the four groups - Kerala Congress (M), Kerala Congress (B), Kerala Congress (Jacob) and Kerala Congress (S).

A date for their merger would be decided later.

Inaugurating the convention, Kerala Congress (M) leader K M Mani stressed the need for the unification of the Kerala Congress factions for larger interest of the state, particularly farmers.

A single Kerala Congress is the need of the hour to fight the ''misrule'' of the LDF government in the state.

The only other faction keeping its separate identity is the Kerala Congress (Joseph), which is in the LDF with a ministerial berth.

Presiding, Mr R Balakrishna Pilla of the Kerala Congress (B) said the Achuthanandan government in the state was a ''total failure''.

Addressing the convention, Mr T M Jacob, leader of the Kerala Congress (Jacob), said the slogan of the party, which was formed in 1964, was ''strong Centre and contended states.'' It was pertinent even today in Indian politics, he added.

MLAs, leaders of the respective state committees, district units and feeder organisations of all the groups attended the convention.

UNI VST PMM GL PK HT1725