LDF's Saji Cherian sought help: K M Mani

Thiruvananthapuram: Amidst growing differences between Kerala Congress (M) and CPI , K.M. Mani on Friday disclosed that LDF candidate in Chengannur bypoll Saji Cherian had called on him the other day to seek his support. Mani said there seems to be a contradiction within the LDF over seeking his party's support in the bypoll. “Saji sought to our help and votes for the polls,” he said and referred to the CPI state Secretary Kanam Rajendran's remark that LDF does not require the support of Kerala Congress (M) to win in Chengannur.

CPI national secretary D Raja said the party had taken a stand that there was no need for any tie-up with Mani. He said the stand taken by Kanam Rajendran was the official position of the party and said the issue would be settled at the state level.

On CPM-CPI differences over tie-up with Mani, CPM general secretary Sitaram Yechury said the issue would be sorted out by the state units of the two parties. The response of the national leadership comes close on the heels of the meeting held by top leaders of CPM and CPI in Delhi to discuss various bilateral issues. Meanwhile, CPM sources said there was no need for CPI leaders to say that Mani's votes were not required in Chengannur. Election is a democratic process and refusing votes of any section is against the norms of democracy, they point out.