Kerala Congress (M) appears almost resolved to move out of the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF).
Indicating as much, KC(M) chairman and former Finance Minister K.M. Mani announced at a leadership conclave at Charalkkunnu in Pathanamthitta district a short while ago that from now on the party would follow an independent stand. "That situation is grim. Mutual love and faith no longer exists in the alliance," Mr. Mani said, declaring that the party would adopt a policy of equi-distance between the ruling and Opposition alliances.
Mr. Mani went on to say that the KC(M) had received only neglect and ill-treatment in the UDF. “Nobody should be under the impression that they can intimidate the party. Kerala Congress (M) is a party that can stand on its own. It need not go after anyone,” he said.
Senior Congress leaders refused to comment on the development and said they would rather wait for a formal decision, which is expected by tomorrow. However, second rung Congress leaders wanted to know how Mr. Mani could go for a break-up with the UDF when he has so far not made any concrete accusation against the UDF leadership so far.
