Leader of the Opposition V.S. Achuthanandan and CPI(M) State secretary Kodiyeri Balakrishnan have asked former Finance Minister K.M. Mani not to contest the elections in the wake of a High Court order.
Mr. Achuthanandan said in a statement here on Friday that Mr. Mani conspired with the Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau (VACB) Director N. Sankar Reddy to secure a stay order from the High Court to create an impression that the bar bribery case was the outcome of a conspiracy involving Vigilance SP R. Sukesan and hotelier Biju Ramesh.
Since the trial is set to begin on April 18, Mr. Mani should desist from contesting the elections, he said.
The CPI(M) State secretary described the High Court order as a blow to Mr. Mani and the UDF government.
Mr. Balakrishnan said in a statement here that the court has made certain important observations while passing the order.
In view of the court order, Mr. Mani should refrain from contesting the election, Mr. Balakrishnan said.
