Thiruvananthapuram: Notwithstanding the CPM explanation that Kottayam district panchayat episode was only a local level “tactical understanding” with Kerala Congress Mani, there is more than what meets the eye.
Political observers say the CPM-Mani local tie-up could well be the beginning of closer cooperation between the two parties in future. The fact that Mani dared to breach the agreement with UDF that the jointly ruled local bodies would not be destabilised, suggests that he might have got clear assurance from CPM leadership.
Though a section in CPM had batted for closer ties with Mani after Charalkunu camp, the CPI had put its foot down. Sources close to CPM say Kottayam experiment is just a test dose to gauge the mood in LDF.
Despite securing huge mandate on the anti corruption plank including bar bribe case, there's a criticism that LDF government was going slow on Mani case. The vigilance court on Tuesday had asked the VACB to submit probe report within a month. A decision on filing chargesheet or closure report will be taken after getting the final investigation report.
A section of CPM leaders do not see anything wrong in tying up with Mani should he be exonerated of corruption charges. Observers say the CPM is exploring all possibilities. At the recent CPM state leadership meet, a section of Marxist leaders had interpreted CPI’s criticism against government as an indication of that party’s growing proximity to Congress. Even at the national level, the CPI is in favour of broader front comprising Congress and other secular democratic parties to fight BJP’s ‘communal and fascist’ agenda.
There is thinking in a section of CPM that even if CPI were to leave the front there should be enough alternatives at hand to check the damage.
“What happened in Kottayam is a purely local issue. Local leaders’ have come to some understanding. We have not discussed at the level of LDF,” said LDF Convenor Vaikom Viswan.
CPI central secretariat member Pannyan Raveendran said the LDF was intact and no one should dream about his party quitting the front. However, Francis George’s breakaway Kerala Congress accused Mani of indulging in political immorality.
