THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The UDF leaders have intensified efforts to pave the way for K. M. Mani's return to the front. CPI's strident opposition and the death of K. K. Ramachandran Nair which has necessitated a bypoll in Chengannur Assembly constituency have prompted Mr Mani to explore all options. He seems to be more inclined for "ghar wapsi".
A section of party leaders believes that returning to UDF would be politically beneficial for the party in the present circumstances. The pressure is building on leadership to take a call on rejoining UDF before Chengannur bypoll. The UDF is keen to woo Mr Mani considering his party's presence in Chengannur Assembly constituency. The front leadership has entrusted former chief minister Oommen Chandy and Muslim League leader P. K. Kunhalikutty, MP, to hold talks with the Kerala Congress leader. Both Mr Chandy and Mr Kunhalikutty who are considered close to the Pala strongman, have already held conciliatory talks with him.
Mr Chandy extended invitation to Mr Mani to return to UDF. "Everyone in UDF wants him back. Now it is for Mr Mani to take a decision," he said. Opposition leader Ramesh Chennithla welcomed Mr Mani to UDF fold. The Congress leadership believes that one of the major factors behind UDF defeat in Chengannur was snapping of ties with KC(M). Mr Mani's return will surely make a difference in the bypoll.
However, Mr Mani said no talks have taken place with the UDF. "All these are media creation. The reports that Wayanad parliamentary constituency is being considered in place of Kottayam is absurd. When we have such a solid seat in Kottayam, why should one even think of Wayanad," he said while talking to mediapersons.
Meanwhile, CPI has toughened its stand against any move to include Mr Mani in LDF. CPI state secretary Kanam Rajendran took a dig at Kerala Congress saying that there is no need for LDF to become ventilator for a party which is breathing its last. The CPI leader said while those who left LDF earlier like JD (U) and RSP were welcome to return, there is no need to take parties like the Kerala Congress since the ruling front had comfortable majority in the Assembly.
Despite vigilance and police clean chit to Mr Mani, the CPI leader said both the Kerala Congress chief and former excise minister K. Babu were accused in the bar bribe. "Mr Mani is facing bar bribe charges and allegation related to budget leak. Many people who were given clean chit by vigilance in the past were later hauled up by courts. So this is not the end of it," he said.
