Kochi: Braving the scorching summer, thousands from all walks of life paid homage to the late Kerala Congress(M) leader K.M. Mani as his body was taken from Ernakulam to Kottayam by road on Wednesday. Large numbers of people gathered on both sides of the roads to get a glimpse of Mani as the KSRTC JnNURM bus carrying the body winded its way at snail’s pace and stopped wherever crowds were waiting.
His body was kept at the VPS Lakeshore Hospital premises on Wednesday morning when thousands paid homage to the departed leader. The hospital authorities had a hard time controlling the party supporters and mourners.
Several leaders of the UDF and Kerala Congress, including Opposition Leader Ramesh Chennithala, P.J. Joseph, Mons Joseph, Johny Nelloor, Anoop Jacob and K. Babu paid homage to him.
Though the mourning procession was scheduled to begin at 9.30 a.m., it was delayed for more than 45 minutes due to the rush of people. Hundreds of supporters were waiting outside the hospital lobby even when the body was shifted to the low-floor AC bus to be taken to Kottayam.
The bus had to be stopped at various places, including Nettoor, Maradu, Tripunithura, Udayamperoor, Poothotta, Chembu, Vaikkom, Thalayolaparambu, Kaduthuruthy and Ettumanoor on the way. It took more than two hours to reach Tripunithura, which is just 5 km from the hospital. The entire schedule was changed though the plan was to place the body for public display at Thirunakkara ground in Kottayam by 12. 20 p.m.
Though Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan was scheduled to pay homage to Mani in Kottayam, the plan was changed considering the delay and he reached Kaduthuruthy for the purpose. Mani’s wife Kuttiyamma, children, relatives and party leaders accompanied the procession. The funeral will be held at St. Thomas Cathedral, Pala, at 3 p.m. on Thursday.
