The political skyline is crackling with tension as the LDF is hell bent upon preventing ‘tainted’ Finance Minister, K. M. Mani, from presenting the Budget on March 13 and the ruling UDF Government is equally determined to frustrate the LDF’s effort.

What has added to the tension is the UDF’s decision to seek the services of the State police force to ensure that Mani presents the Budget. The LDF is, understandably, livid at the UDF’s attempt at intimidation by using the full might of the police force to achieve its objective.

It is not difficult to divine the reasons for the Government’s strategy. It has a twin objective: first, the UDF thinks the decision would help it thwart the LDF attempt to prevent Mani. Secondly, it would end, once for all, attempts by Mani to cross over to the LDF.

The Government’s strategy (or is it a stratagem?) is in line with its refusal to concede the request of Mani’s party, KC(M), to ensure that the vigilance enquiry against him is completed before the Budget presentation. The Vigilance Department has, however, made it clear that the probe cannot be completed in a hurry as a lot of work remained to be done in the case. Needless to say, the Department’s No has the tacit backing of the Home Minister, who has all along maintained that the ‘law will take its own course’ whatever that may mean! Aggrieved KC(M) sources say this is tantamount to running with the hare and hunting with the hound!

Meanwhile, an attempt by KC(M) Vice-chairman and Government Chief Whip P. C. George to put pressure on the Government has fallen flat. George had tried to put the Government on the defensive by demanding an independent inquiry into the alleged intervention of the State police chief in the investigation of the Chandrabose murder case to save the accused, Mohammed Nisham, a controversial businessman.

Both Chief Minister Oommen Chandy and Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala have lost no time in calling George’s bluff by ruling out a probe against the police chief. The duo also snubbed George by publicly expressing full faith in the Director General of Police (DGP).

To add to the woes of embattled Mani, the LDF has upped the ante against him inside the Assembly, too. Leader of the Opposition, V. S. Achuthanandan launched a scathing attack against Mani on the floor of the assembly. In a strongly-worded statement, VS warned Mani against trying to present the budget ignoring the overwhelming sense of revulsion against him over his role in the bar bribery scam.

Though Mani has tried to brazen it out, it is clear that the LDF’s tough stance has unnerved the UDF. Hence its desperate attempt to seek the help of the state police to frustrate the LDF’s action plan. Hectic parleys are on in the UDF camp to ensure that the budget presentation passes off without any untoward incidents.

What is worrying the UDF leaders is the refusal of the LDF to reveal its strategy on the Budget day. True, the LDF leaders have said that front activists will surround the assembly complex on the D-day. But what will happen inside the assembly is not clear as the LDF strategists are tight-lipped on the matter. A panicky UDF leadership is said to be considering, among other options, a directive to the ministers to be inside the Assembly overnight so that there is no possibility of a direct confrontation on the streets!

A tense Kerala is waiting with bated breath as it is not clear how the tense drama will play out on the Budget day. (IPA)