Jose K. Mani

Jose K. Mani is a senior political leader from Kerala representing the Kerala Congress (Mani), a regional party with strong influence in central Kerala politics. He succeeded his father K. M. Mani as party chairman, consolidating leadership after internal factional disputes. He entered national politics by winning the 2009 Lok Sabha election from Kottayam and was re-elected in 2014 with a significantly higher margin, establishing himself as a key parliamentary representative from Kerala. After internal party realignments and a split within the Kerala Congress (M), his faction joined the Left Democratic Front (LDF) in 2020, marking a major shift from the long-standing alliance with the United Democratic Front (UDF). In the 2021 Kerala Assembly election, he contested from Pala but lost the election by over 15,000 votes, a significant setback in his traditional political base. He continues to play a crucial role in Kerala politics through alliance negotiations and leadership within the LDF, making him a central figure in coalition dynamics. As of April 2026, he is contesting the Kerala Assembly election from the Pala constituency, continuing his active engagement in state politics and public affairs.