Kottayam: Former Finance Minister KM Mani said on Thursday that the UDF will be collectively responsible, and not just the Congress, for the victory or defeat in the Assembly elections. Mr Mani said this when asked about Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala’s statement that he (Chennithala), along with Chief Minister Oommen Chandy and KPCC president V M Sudheeran, would share the credit or blame for the success or defeat of the UDF. “The responsibility for the defeat cannot be thrust on Congress alone”, said Mr Mani at the Nilapadu 16 series at Kottayam press club.
He also said the differences of opinion between Opposition leader VS Achuthanandan and CPM politburo member Pinarayai Vijayan would a major talking point in the elections. Referring to the role of event management groups in the LDF campaign, Mr Mani cited as proof the catch line that the “LDF would set everything right once in power”. He made light of the threat by some elements, claiming to be from Muslim League, to vote against him.
Congress workers in Pala would back him fully and he was confident of improving his victory margin this time. The breakaway Kerala Cogress (D) was irrelevant in state politics, which the elections would prove sooner. He also added that there won’t be any rebels in KC(M).
