LDF puts up united show against Mani in bar case

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Opposition LDF on Tuesday took out a march to the secretariat demanding the resignation of Finance Minister K.M. Mani in the bar bribe case.

It was the first joint agitation of  the LDF since a section of bar owners had alleged on October 31 that that they had paid Rs 1 crore bribe to allow the 418 closed bars to function. 

Opposition Leader V.S. Achuthanandan, who inaugurated the march, alleged that more than a month had passed since the bar owners had raised the bribe allegation and even gave a statement, but the Vigilance was yet to register a case against Mr Mani.

There was a clear attempt on the part of the government and investigating agencies to save Mr Mani.  “Two weeks have passed since quick verification was initiated but the Vigilance is yet to submit a report,” he added.

He said none would believe that Mr Mani had taken bribe alone and that no one else in the government was involved.  

Taking a dig at the Finance Minister, Mr Achuthanandan said,  “When the bar association office- bearers went to Mani’s house and said that all that they could offer as first instalment was Rs 1 crore, the Finance Minister’s wife, who was inside the house, made a gesture shaking her head suggesting that the money was already in. The LDF took out similar marches to the collectorates in all other districts.