Chandy defends Mani, post resignation

A day after the resignation of  scam-tainted K M Mani as Finance Minister of Kerala, Chief Minister Oommen Chandy reiterated support for the beleaguered leader, stating that the resignation was Mani’s “personal decision” and neither he nor the ruling coalition had sought it.

Speaking with reporters here, Chandy maintained that there was nothing in the High Court verdict, the observations which mounted pressure on Mani to quit.

“There is no truth in reports that I had sought his resignation,” Chandy said. Mani, facing allegations that he had accepted Rs 1 crore bribe from bar owners in connection with issuance of bar licences, stepped down as minister on Tuesday evening, a year after the scandal emerged. Thomas Unniyadan, a leader of Mani’s party – the Kerala Congress (M) – also quit as Government Chief Whip, in a show of solidarity.

Chandy said he would take over the Finance Ministry and a decision on Unniyadan’s resignation and possibilities of a replacement would be consulted with Mani. KC(M) leaders dismissed reports that the party was heading for a split in the wake of reports that senior leader and Water Resources Minister P J Joseph refused to step down in support of Mani.

KC(M) leaders and workers were planning a grand farewell for Mani on Friday with rallies lined up from Thiruvananthapuram to Mani’s native Pala in Kottayam district. Mani, while announcing his resignation on Tuesday, said he would continue to support the ruling United Democratic Front government.  The chief minister also said there was “no pressure” on Mani to quit. But Mani’s followers have called the development a snub to one of the senior-most political leaders of the state.

Senior leaders of the Congress and the UDF, including Chandy, Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala and Excise Minister K Babu, met Mani at his official residence in the morning. Chennithala termed it a “friendly visit”.Biju Ramesh, working president of Kerala Bar Hotel Owners Association, whose allegation of bribery against Mani eventually led to his resignation reiterated that Excise Minister Babu had also accepted bribes from bar owners but was repeatedly “protected” by the government. Babu dismissed the allegations and said Biju had, through the minister’s friends, reached out for a “compromise”.