Leader of the Opposition Ramesh Chennithala on Monday asked the Kerala Congress (M) leadership to publish the report it had in its possession regarding his role in a conspiracy against its leader K.M. Mani.
“Let people judge whether I am the villain or the hero. It is not correct to create a smokescreen,” he said in reply to questions at a press meet convened to spell out the UDF’s stand after the KC(M) quit the UDF.
He said the UDF had always been supportive of Mr. Mani, when he had to face allegations in the bar bribery case. Mr. Mani had been absolved of all charges by two Vigilance inquiries during his term as Home Minister, Mr. Chennithala said.
As Minister, he was of the view that he would not interfere in the functioning of the Vigilance and he never did even when a letter was submitted by the then Leader of the Opposition to the Vigilance Director seeking an inquiry in the bar bribery case.
‘Not a setback’
He said the KC(M) was entitled to its course of action. He did not consider the party’s departure a setback. Several parties had joined the UDF when he was the KPCC president and some rearrangements had to be made in the coalition. The UDF would become stronger in the coming days, he said.
When asked whether the UDF would leave the door open for a rapprochement, he said there was no change in the UDF’s stance that all issues could be resolved through dialogues.
