PC George's supporters announce revival of Kerala Congress (Secular)

A powerful faction supporting former government chief whip PC George in the crisis-hit Kerala Congress (M) today announced revival of Kerala Congress (Secular), a party founded by him which merged with state Finance Minister KM Mani's party just ahead of Assembly elections in 2011.

George, who was recently removed as government chief whip for waging a war against KC(M) Chairman Mani and his son Jose K Mani over the bar bribery issue, did not attend the press conference in which revival of the KC(S) was announced by former legislator TS John, who is its Chairman.

The party would enjoy full support of George, a Kerala Congress (M) legislator representing Poonjar Assembly constituency in Kottayam District, KC(S) sources said.

George could not formally join the KC(S) as such a move would attract the anti-defection law. He is the lone legislator who has rebelled against Mani and his son in the Kerala Congress (M) which has nine MLAs and the third largest partner of ruling United Democratic Front.

Mani is not willing to oust George from the KC(M) as he wants to scuttle the rebel leader's efforts to join the Congress-led UDF as a separate partner. John claimed that KC(S) enjoyed support of almost all former district presidents of the revived party.