KM Mani conspired to be CM, alleges P C George

Kottayam: Mr P.C. George MLA on Tuesday came out with a fresh allegation that  Finance Minister and Kerala Congress (M) chairman K.M. Mani had conspired with the  LDF to become the Chief Minister.  However, this move was sabotaged by  Mr  Oommen Chandy by joining hands with the bar owners to raise  the bribery scandal, he told reporters here.

 

He claimed that  he had mediated with the LDF leaders on behalf of Mr Mani  on the day of the anniversary of the Kerala Congress.   He did not say whether it was the  LDF  or Mr Mani himself who made the first move.  Mr George’s charges were denied  by Kottayam MP  and Mr Mani son,  Jose K. Mani.   

 

“Though the bar owners approached Industries Minister P.K. Kunhalikutty with  the money, he did not accept it.  However, Excise Minister K. Babu took it  but as party fund,”  Mr George added.

 

He claimed that he and Mr Mani were  willing to resign following the bribe allegations. Mr P.J. Joseph refused to quit saying  the public would  think that he  had  taken bribe.  Mr Mani later changed his mind on the advice of Mr Jose K. Mani, he said.

 

Coming down heavily on Mr Mani,  Mr George said Mr Mani will have to resign after the  local body elections. “There will be a Kerala Congress without K.M. Mani or P.J. Joseph,” he said.