The Left Democratic Front (LDF) will take out marches to the Secretariat and taluk offices on February 3 demanding the resignation of Finance Minister K.M. Mani for his alleged role in the bar bribery case. The LDF meeting held here on Thursday also decided to boycott functions attended by Mr. Mani.
A meeting to be held in February will decide on the long-term protests to be launched over the issue, according to LDF convener Vaikom Viswan.
If bar owner Biju Ramesh stands firm on his allegations, the LDF will support him, Mr. Viswan said. He demanded police protection for Mr. Ramesh. The protest measures will continue till the resignation of Mr. Mani, he added. Mr. Mani does not have any moral right to present the budget, he said. Strong protests will held in and outside the Assembly.
The mass support at the protest meetings against the UDF government shows the people’s trust in the LDF, he said. Leader of the Opposition V.S. Achuthanandan presided over the function.
CPI(M) State secretary Pinarayi Vijayan, CPI state secretary Pannian Raveendran, LDF leaders K.E. Ismail, K.P. Rajendran, C.K. Nanu, Jose Thettayil, Kadannappally Ramachandran, and others participated.
