Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala Congress (M) on Saturday extended support to Muslim League candidate K. N. A. Khader for the October 11 by-election in Vengara, but clarified that this did not indicate a return to the Congress-led UDF.
At a press conference in his hometown Pala, KC (M) chairman K. M. Mani said the decision to back the League was “natural” because the party had voted for Mr Khader’s predecessor, Mr P. K. Kunhalikutty, in the Malappuram Lok Sabha by-election on April 12. Vengara seat was vacated by Mr Kunhalikutty following his election to the LS after the death of former union minister E. Ahmed.
Mr Mani was at pains to justify his backing for the UDF constituent, but recalled his party’s historic ties with the Panakkad Thangal family, which controls the League. “We’ve always enjoyed a special relationship with Panakkad”, said Mr Mani.
Mr Mani said he was grateful to parties that favoured KC (M) but disapproved of the unsolicited debate (in Congress) on pros and cons of his party’s re-entry.
“We are not knocking at any door, requesting accommodation. So what is the relevance in discussing a non-existent issue”, asked Mr Mani. He said the party was fully confident of striking out on its own.
The League had sought the support of KC (M) for its candidate. Both the League and Congress welcomed Mr Mani’s announcement. Opposition leader Ramesh Chennithala said KC (M) support would raise the UDF’s margin of victory.
