Mani takes a U-turn on George

Thiruvananthapuram: KC (M) Chairman K. M. Mani has decided to disown his deputy and Chief Whip P.C. George fearing a backlash against his son Jose K. Mani in the  Kottayam Lok Sabha constituency. However, George quipped that he wanted  to maintain silence during the auspicious occasion of Christmas.

On Monday, Mani had come out with a release criticising George’s actions. Mani said if George had  any complaint, he should have brought it in party forums as well as in the UDF meeting. He also said if George was  making any statements against the party, he would  be doing it at  his own discretion.

He also asked George to understand the politics before he commits to attend a public programme. KC( M) leader Francis George was one of the first leaders to object to George’s participation in a BJP programme.

But then Mani had supported George saying there was nothing wrong in his attending the marathon. But a week later, Mani has retracted his statement much to the delight of  KC (M) leaders, especially Francis George.

“I welcome Mani Sir’s statements. Now the party stand is clear and there is more clarity on the issue of George attending a BJP programme,” Francis George told DC.

Rumours were rife earlier that George had attended the BJP programme so as to garner maximum support from the BJP for  the Lok Sabha election.  Later, Muslim League leader and Industries Minister P. K. Kunhalikutty  also alleged that the BJP had not decided to field a candidate  in Kottayam so as to help Mani’s son. However,  this allegation was rejected by  BJP state president V. Muraleedharan.