KM Mani a prominent Christian politician in Kerala has resulted in a disturbance between the two left parties in the ruling communist alliance in Kerala, as reported by Mint. As per the report, the majority alliance partner Communist Party of India (Marxist) is trying to woo Mani into their coalition to retain power in the state.
Communist Party of India (CPI), the minority stakeholder in the alliance though isn’t happy about it and was a vocal critic of Mani’s possible inclusion, during its national meet in Kollam on Sunday. Mani is believed to be an influential Christian leader in central Kerala.
The report claims that the CPM wishes to defeat the Congress in the state at all costs, with the communist party speculating that an alliance with Mani’s Kerala Congress (M) would result in Congress further weakening in Kerala.
As per a New Indian Express report, the trouble began after dates for the Chengannur bypoll was announced, with the CPM wanting his support to win the by-poll. CPI’s state secretary Kanam Rajendran was quoted as saying that the ruling LDF didn’t need the backing of Mani, which was brushed aside by CPM state secretary Kodiyeri Balakrishnan.
Incidentally the report claims that Mani too has jumped into the battle by alleging that CPI wants the CPM candidate standing in the by-polls to lose. He also confirmed the approach made by the CPM by claiming that the LDF candidate from Chengannur – Saji Cheriyan, had met him in person to seek his support.
This attack by Mani brought about a counter attack from CPI’s Kanam Rajendran who retorted that Mani wasn’t powerful enough to ensure victory on his own.
As per an Indian Express report, the Chengannur by-poll is an open contest with the CPM led LDF, Congress led UDF and BJP led NDA all having a good chance of winning it.
