KM Mani conspired to be CM, alleges P C George

Kottayam: Mr P.C. George MLA on Tuesday came out with a fresh allegation that Finance Minister and Kerala Congress (M) chairman K.M. Mani had conspired with the LDF to become the Chief Minister. However, this move was sabotaged by Mr Oommen Chandy by joining hands with the bar owners to raise the bribery scandal, he told reporters here.

He claimed that he had mediated with the LDF leaders on behalf of Mr Mani on the day of the anniversary of the Kerala Congress. He did not say whether it was the LDF or Mr Mani himself who made the first move. Mr George’s charges were denied by Kottayam MP and Mr Mani son, Jose K. Mani.

“Though the bar owners approached Industries Minister P.K. Kunhalikutty with the money, he did not accept it. However, Excise Minister K. Babu took it but as party fund,” Mr George added.

He claimed that he and Mr Mani were willing to resign following the bribe allegations. Mr P.J. Joseph refused to quit saying the public would think that he had taken bribe. Mr Mani later changed his mind on the advice of Mr Jose K. Mani, he said.

Coming down heavily on Mr Mani, Mr George said Mr Mani will have to resign after the local body elections. “There will be a Kerala Congress without K.M. Mani or P.J. Joseph,” he said.