KC(M) keeps political Kerala on tenterhooks

Ties with UDF in focus ahead of the party camp at Charalkunnu from August 6.

Kerala Congress (M) supremo K.M. Mani.

The Kerala Congress (M) appears to be trying to make the run-up to the crucial party camp at Charalkunnu, scheduled for August 6 and 7, a big event. The work on a huge media build-up through selective leakage of agenda and possible outcome of the camp is already on, giving the impression that the party is readying itself for a big plunge.

In an unprecedented move, party supremo K.M. Mani called a meeting of the party MLAs on Sunday night in an apparent effort to ensure that when push comes to shove, all will be on board. Meanwhile, senior general secretary Joy Abraham on Sunday told the media that the two-day camp would discuss the party’s relationship with the UDF and also issues including that of sitting as a separate block in the legislature.

Though Mr. Mani is holding his cards close to chest, the media build-up has already pushed the party to the brim. Meanwhile, he appears to have closed avenues for intervention by other UDF leaders by announcing that he would be attending a meditation in the next few days.

So far the KC(M) has not named anyone in the alleged conspiracy behind the bar licensing bribery case; neither have they made their demands public. They have not even divulged the reason for the timing of the extreme step (if it is taken). However, those supporting a break with the Congress believe the moment is hot enough to strike, for more than one reason.

Opposition divided

The Opposition is already divided and the KC (M) has enough reasons to build bridges with the ruling dispensation especially, against the backdrop of the continuing investigations against the party chairman. Distancing with the Congress will also open more options for the party. The animosity with the Congress, generated during the local body and Assembly elections, has percolated down to the lower rungs creating the critical minimum mass to overcome any dissenting voices, especially from a section of the MLAs, during the crucial party camp, they believe.

However, more importantly, taking a firm step at this moment would help Mr. Mani influence the proposed restructuring in the Congress party.