NCP splits into two factions ahead of Kerala Assembly polls; rebel group to join UDF Mani C Kappen, who is heading the faction, revolted against the state LDF leadership following the reported move by the CPM to hand over Pala Assembly seat to its new ally, Kerala Congress (M) File image of Pala MLA Mani C Kappen. News18 Malayalam Ahead of the Assembly polls in Kerala, the opposition UDF on Saturday got a shot in its arm with a faction in the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), a constituent in the ruling LDF, announcing its decision to part ways with the CPM-led alliance and join the Congress-led front.