Thiruvananthapuram: CPM state secretary Kodiyeri Balakrishnan said that there was no move to expand the LDF at this stage and issue of inducting Kerala Congress (M) was not even under consideration. The CPM state secretary said any move by Mr Mani to join the NDA would prove suicidal. “Only Mani and his son will remain in the party (if Kerala Congress joins the NDA), rest all will come out,” he said and added that Kerala Congress’ exit will lead to the collapse of UDF.
Mr Kodiyeri said the issue of inducting Kerala Congress or Mr Mani has not come before the LDF for consideration at the moment. The LDF is currently focusing on expanding and consolidating its base across the state. The CPM leader said many parties which had cooperated with the LDF and worked for the victory of the front were waiting to gain entry. No decision has been taken on the issue yet.
It may be recalled that parties like RSP(Leninist), JSS(Gowri Amma), CMP (Arvindakshan), Democratic Kerala Congress (Franscis George) and INL faction are all waiting for gain a berth in the LDF. Even, the Kerala Congress (B) had tried to gain entry into the front in vain.
On the bar bribe case the CPM state secretary said that the bar bribe case would take its own course and those who had committed wrong will face the music. Mr Kodiyeri was speaking at a function in Palakkad to express solidarity with the Bengal comrades who are facing repression at the hands Trinamool government.
Congress toughens stand
Stung by the K.M. Mani's unilateral announcement to maintain equidistance policy from UDF and LDF, the Congress has toughened its stand against Kerala Congress making it clear that there would be no fresh move from its side to hold any further negotiations. The Congress leaders said discussions with Kerala Congress would now happen only if Mr Mani desired so. There will be no initiative to mollify him for their side.
The Congress leadership is extremely angry over the manner in which Mr Mani has tried to humiliate the party and its leaders. However, for the moment the Congress is not in a mood to provoke Mr Mani. The party will, however, come out strongly against Kerala Congress leader once the official decision on severing its ties with the UDF comes in on Sunday. It is prepared with all ammunition to take on Mr Mani and respond to his allegations point by point.
Rajmohan Unnithan said the Congress had done everything to mollify Mr Mani. Mr Chandy had called on him at his house in Pala and held discussions. Similarly, Ramesh Chennithala had called him several times but he refused to speak to him. The Congress leadership believes that it has been liberal with the Kerala Congress and had tried to resolve the crisis by taking a positive approach.
However, similar response was missing from Mr Mani's side. Meanwhile, Congress dared the Kerala Congress to make the internal probe report on the conspiracy in bar bribe public. "If there are serious allegations against our leaders then let them make it public. Why are they shying away from doing that," asked a senior leader.
