THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Former finance minister K. M. Mani, who quit over the bargate on Tuesday, rode to an emotional welcome in his home turf of Pala, invoking Prophet Isaiah, "Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you..."
At his favourite rally spot at Kurisumoodu in Pala, Mr Mani betrayed his real feeling saying that in happier times, one would enjoy the company of many friends "but when you weep, you weep alone". Suddenly realising he had contradicted his own stand that the resignation was inconsequential, Mr Mani said: "You (the audience) may be crying and empathising with me... and I am overjoyed by your unprecedented response, even when I am without power."
The motorcade, which left the capital city after a reception at Pattom in the morning and wound its way through the MC Road, came under a black flag demonstration by DYFI workers in Adoor. Elsewhere, hundreds of people lined the road to have a glimpse of Mr Mani, who fell from grace in the golden jubilee of his membership of the Assembly.
Mr Mani, posing as the fall guy, however, did not mention the bargate and refused to mention the conspiracy angle despite his supporters shouting the name of excise minister K. Babu.
But he picked on Opposition leader V. S. Achuthanandan, saying, “Do not weep for me but weep for yourself and your son." He was proud to represent Pala, "which is all the world for me". He was proud to play his part for raising Pala to its stature. The 13 budgets he presented had given to Pala what it deserved and to the rest of the state what was its due.
Mr Mani said P. C. George, who was stripped of MLA status, indulged in his favourite pastime of abusing him but Mr George was an affront to the decorum of the House.
Earlier, inaugurating the rally, water resources minister P. J. Joseph said it was time doubts regarding dual justice for Mr Mani and Mr Babu were cleared. "Mr Mani will disprove charges and come back," he said.
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