Mani C Kappen, who was expelled by the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) announced a new party. Naming the new party as the Nationalist Congress Kerala (NCK), Kappen said it will become a partner of the opposition Congress-led UDF in Kerala. <br /> <br />Kappen is the president of the party. He is pitted against Jose K Mani, son of veteran Kerala Congress (M) leader late K M Mani. <br /> <br />K M Mani had represented the Pala seat in the Assembly for over 50 years. <br /> <br />Elections in the state are scheduled to be held on April 6. Even though the fight in Kerala is primarily between the ruling Left front (LDF) and the Congress-led UDF, BJP has been working hard to emerge as a strong force.
