Thiruvananthapuram: The Kerala Congress (M) may take a decision on joining the NDA at its meeting to be held at Charalkunnu early next month. BJP state president Kummanam Rajasekharan has said that the BJP would welcome Mr Mani into the front. The Pala archdiocese officials are tight-lipped on the move and Bishop Mar Joseph Kallarangatt refused to comment on it.

DC had reported on Monday that the BJP state leadership was trying to rope in Mr Mani in the NDA within a year. Mr Mani has not reacted to it yet. It is learnt that Mr P. J. Joseph and Mr Mons Joseph are opposed to Mr Mani’s plan. The Congress leadership has also been trying to thwart Mr Mani’s attempts to leave the UDF.

“BJP national president Amit Shah is keen to welcome Mani to the saffron fold. He will ensure that Mani and his aides who cross over to NDA are given key posts,” a top BJP leader told DC.

The Congress has been putting pressure on Mr Joseph and Mr Mons Joseph to keep them within the UDF. The UDF meeting scheduled on Monday is likely to be stormy as Mr Mani may express his displeasure against the Congress.