The latest to join the anti-Mani bandwagon are Congress spokespersons Ajay Tharayil and Pandalam Sudhakaran. The latter has demanded that Mani take rest for a while, handing over the finance portfolio to Chief Minister Oommen Chandy. He can return after rejuvenating himself, added Sudhakaran! Of course Sudhakaran has withdrawn his remarks posted in his Facebook following a directive from the Chief Minister and KPCC president, V. M. Sudheeran after Mani voiced his unhappiness over the remarks.

Ajay Tharayil has been more consistent in his demand that Mani should not present the budget right from the beginning. He is of the view that Mani’s continuance as the FM will further erode the image of the Congress-led UDF government. And despite the disapproval of the CM and the KPCC president, Tharayil is on record that he won’t change his stance. Another Congress leader who has voiced his ire against Mani is Kottayam DCC president, Tomi Kallani, known to be close to the KPCC chief.

KC(M) leaders say that these leaders could not have publicly aired their views without the tacit approval of the top state Congress leaders. But for form’s sake they have accepted the disapproval of both the CM and the KPCC president.

Significantly, it is the leaders belonging to the I group led by Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala who have been more active in the anti-Mani campaign. They are of the view that now that Mani has ‘presented the budget’ albeit amid controversial circumstances, he has outlived his utility; and that there is no need for the Congress to continue its blind support to Mani. The I group leaders say that the Congress cannot any more allow its anti-corruption commitment to suffer by extending blanket support to the ‘tainted’ Mani.

But the A group headed by the Chief Minister begs to differ. Their fear is that, if Mani is pushed beyond a point, he may withdraw support to the UDF Government, triggering its collapse. That is the last thing the Chandy loyalists want. The reason is simple: they know jolly well that in the event of a snap poll, the UDF stands little chance of retaining power. Hence their determination to cling to power come what may!

Meanwhile, unrest is growing within Mani’s own party, the KC(M), with party’s vice-chairman and Government chief whip, P. C. George openly airing his view that Mani should have resigned immediately after the bar bribery controversy erupted. If he had done so, he could have staged a comeback by now proving his innocence. His refusal to do so has affected the party’s credibility and image, George said, adding that Mani was being given wrong advice by a coterie around him who air only the views that would please the boss! George further said that refusal to make amends would damage the party’s prospects both in the local bodies elections this year and the more crucial Assembly elections due next year. Equally significant is the deafening silence maintained by Mani’s senior colleague, P. J. Joseph and his supporters within the party!

Although Mani initially dismissed his deputy’s criticism and ruled out any discussion in the party on the bar bribery row, he changed his stand later. Now he says the issue can be discussed. It is obviously an attempt not to offend George beyond a point.

Whatever the outcome, the row within the KC(M) has reinforced the perception that all is not well within the party and that the simmering discontent may boil over any time.

Significantly, Mani has also changed his stance that he would not resign even if the charge-sheet is filed in the case. Now he says ‘we will see what should be done’ after the charge-sheet is filed. It is clear that once the charge-sheet is in place – reports are rife that it may be filed sooner than later – the pressure on Mani to step down will increase. (IPA Service)