The first cracks in Kerala Congress developed over leadership in 1977, following George’s death. Pillai parted ways with Mani, launched KC(B), and moved to the Left. In 1979, Mani pulled away with P J Joseph to form KC (Mani). Mani joined the LDF government in 1980, but toppled it in 1982, shifting to UDF. By then, Joseph was with the Congress. Later (1982-87), the Mani, Pillai and Joseph groups would all be in the UDF. In fact, in 1985, all three merged back into Kerala Congres, but in two years Joseph and Mani would split again. Pillai remained with Joseph until 1989, when he revived KC(B). In 1989, Joseph left the UDF; in 1991, he teamed up with LDF.