THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Days after senior Congress leader A.K. Antony said that the Congress should take steps to bring back KC (M) chairman K.M. Mani to the UDF, another ally, KC (J) chairman Johnny Nellore also demanded that the AICC leadership take an initiative to bring back Mr Mani. However, the KPCC leadership is not keen on appeasing Mr Mani. Mr Antony had said on Monday that the UDF will discuss on bringing back KC (M) to the front in the next UDF meeting which is scheduled for September 1.
Congress leadership, especially Opposition Leader Ramesh Chennithala, is not keen to take a favourable stand towards Mr Mani. Though Muslim League leader P.K. Kunhalikutty was keen to take up the role of an intermediary, it did not work out. Later, Muslim League leader E.T. Mohammed Basheer himself clarified that they will not take any role to bring back Mani.
However, allies like KC (J) and JDU are keen to see that KC(M) is brought back. Mr Nellore urged AICC leadership to take initiative. Except for Mr Antony, none of the AICC leaders have commented on Mr Mani leaving the front after 34 years. Mr Nellore said the UDF has lost its strength following KC(M)’s decision to quit the alliance.
