Kerala Congress (M) chairman K.M. Mani, who has expressed his displeasure with the Congress leadership more than once already, has said that the Congress, as the leader of the United Democratic Front (UDF), should change its style of functioning.
In an exclusive interview to The Hindu , Mr. Mani said his party had issues with the Congress. “However, when I say that they should change their style, it does not mean that we alone have the problem. It means that the Congress has to change its relationship with the coalition partners,” he said. “And as the leader of the coalition, it is the duty of the Congress to take the initiative in resolving such issues,” he said.
“If the Congress, which is passing through unprecedented challenges, has the future of the UDF in mind, it has to rethink and improve its relations with the coalition partners,” he said. “There is too much of infighting (within the UDF). And instead of fighting against our common opponent they are interested in bringing down coalition partners,” he said.
Reacting to the various theories being aired, Mr. Mani said he would neither say yes or no to any of these. “Options are open for the Kerala Congress,” the KC(M) leader said. The party will take its future course of action as and when time comes. “We have scheduled a party camp at Charalkunnu where presidents of the mandalam committees and members of the party steering committee would attend.”
“Future decisions will be taken after the camp,” he said. Will the party opt to sit as a separate block in the Assembly? “We have not thought about it so far,” he said adding that the party had not thought about leaving the UDF at all. “We are a mature political party and our decisions will be based not on any emotional issue. At the same time, we also do not have any servitude towards any party,” Mr. Mani said. Mr. Mani said he had not asked for a meeting with Congress leaders. “I don’t have any issue to talk about. They know everything. We also know everything. Only thing is, I am not naming anyone for the conspiracy hatched against me,” he said. “If they want a heart-to-heart talk, I am ready to speak to them,” he said.
Reacting to a question, Mr. Mani said there was no need for his party to seek new partners. “We have our proven strength and have our own identity. Those who need the support of the Kerala Congress (M) would seek out us,” he said.
If the Congress has the future of the UDF in mind, it has to rethink and improve its relations with the coalition partners.
K.M. Mani
Kerala Congress (M) leader
