BJP fields N Hari against K M Mani

KOTTAYAM: While Kerala Congress (M) Chairman KM Mani seems to be a bit relaxed after the withdrawal of the NDA candidate at Pala, PC Thomas, the Left Democratic Front (LDF) is hopeful saying that the withdrawal will consolidate the anti-Mani votes in favour of its candidate Mani C Kappan.

The BJP-led NDA has now fielded BJP district president N Hari as their candidate after Kerala Congress leader PC Thomas withdrew. His withdrawing from the fray citing personal reasons has diminished the image of the NDA candidate in the constituency. KC (M) sources claim that it will be a walkover for them.

“Because the public still wants KM Mani to be their MLA in Pala. We are very confident”, said KC(M) working chairman CF Thomas. Sources from the LDF claim that the withdrawal will benefit them as anti-Mani votes will not scatter. “People desire a change”, says LDF candidate Mani C Kappan.

However, political observers say that the anti-Mani votes would not necessarily consolidate in favour of the LDF. “If PC Thomas was standing he might have been able to penetrate into the Catholic votebank which traditionally supports Mani but this should not occur in the case of Mani C Kappan”, said sources.

Meanwhile, political opponents of KM Mani allege that by fielding a weak candidate Georgekutty Augusthy against PC George in Poonjar, KC(M) hopes to get some votes over which Mr George has a hold in Kadanadu, Melukavu, Moonnilavu panchayaths.