Kochi: The Kerala Congress (B) has split and MLA K B Ganesh Kumar has lost its chairperson post to his sister Usha Mohandas.

At a meeting held in Kochi on Tuesday, the rival faction favoured Usha after claiming that Ganesh Kumar was a self-appointed chairperson since the passing of their leader R Balakrishna Pillai earlier this year.

Meanwhile, Usha Mohandas has said that her opposition to Ganesh Kumar was not personal. She said that the rival faction did not intend to split the party.

The rival faction that has accused Ganesh Kumar of violating the party's constitution claimed that it has over 74 supporters in the state committee.

Usha Mohandas said the change in leadership will be communicated to the ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF), of which the Kerala Congress (B) is a part.

Ganesh Kumar had reportedly objected to electing a new chairperson following the demise of Balakrishna Pillai in May this year. Re-election was further delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Ganesh Kumar had refused to yield to the demands of the rival faction.