Kerala Congress (M) leader and Finance Minister K.M. Mani on Wednesday firmly shut the door on speculation about his party’s possible alliance with the Left Democratic Front by lashing out at its “intolerance” of the United Democratic Front government for its popularity.
Addressing a press conference soon after a meeting of his party’s district office-bearers and other leaders here, Mr. Mani, emphasising on the popularity of the UDF government, said this factor was the sole reason for the Opposition’s intolerance.
Making his intentions clear of staying put in the ruling coalition, Mr. Mani called for proactive campaigns highlighting the achievements of the government. He alleged that the LDF was not performing its duties as the Opposition coalition. It had stalled Assembly proceedings. He alleged that the Opposition stand was anti-democratic and fascist. Its attempts to tarnish the image of the government and topple it would not work.
With regard to the speculation about his quitting the ruling front, Mr. Mani said the controversy was irrelevant since he had rebutted it. He had neither expressed a desire of being a chief minister nor had deputed any one to discuss the issue. He did not want to use dubious means to become chief minister.
However, the leaders’ meeting felt that the speculation about the party’s designs had harmed its interests. The party leadership should sort this out immediately and in order to reinforce its presence in the UDF, it should take the initiative to launch a campaign, it felt.
Reflecting the views, Mr. Mani, at his press conference, called on UDF partners to take the initiative to organise a campaign highlighting the ruling coalition’s achievements.