Kottayam: Veteran leader PJ Joseph has been appointed the interim chairman of the Kerala Congress (M). He will act as the provisional chairman until the new head is elected. The decision was conveyed by its general secretary Advocate Joy Abraham, adding that this was just the usual procedure.

Yesterday, it was reported that nine districts presidents of the party had demanded the appointment of Jose K Mani as the new chairman of the party. However, the Joseph group had expressed displeasure over it.

PJ Joseph, who denied such claims, added that there is no move to nominate CF Thomas, MLA, as the parliamentary party leader.

It is said a rift is developing in the party after the demise of its founder leader KM Mani recently. Factions led by Mani's son Jose K Mani, MP, and PJ Joseph are reportedly at loggerheads over electing Mani's successor. However, the leaders refuse to officially confirm it.

PJ Joseph has been the party's working chairman so far after the merger of his outfit with KC(M) a few years ago.