K M Mani may call for conscience vote

Kottayam: Kerala Congress (M) chairman K.M. Mani may ask the party supporters to vote according to their conscience in the Chengannur by-election. Mr Mani is in favour of supporting the LDF but does not want to displease the P.J. Joseph faction which is against having any truck with the Left front.

The steering committee meeting of the party to be held on Sunday may discuss the stand to be taken in Chengannur. By asking for a conscience vote, Mr Mani can send a signal to the party workers to align with the LDF. Mr Mani will make his stand clear before the Lok Sabha elections after assessing the Chengannur outcome, it is learnt.