Kerala Cong chief denies report on pull outgovt

Speculation is rife that the Kerala Congress-Mani (KC-M) may pull out of the Congress-led ruling United Democratic Front (UDF) and join the CPM-led Left Democratic Front (LDF).

However, KC-M chairman and Finance Minister K M Mani has denied the report.
If it happens, the Oommen Chandy government, which enjoys a lead of only three in the Assembly, will fall.

The speculation gained ground when veteran CPM leader V S Achuthanandan welcomed Mani to the LDF. Party Politburo member S Ramachandran Pillai backed Achuthanandan stating that the LDF would not slam the door on any party which would like to join the LDF.

Those who are close to Mani and CPM leaders claim that a tacit understanding has been reached between Mani and the CPM leaders and the former is waiting for an opportune time to announce his decision.

They say that new bonhomie will be mutually beneficial.