BJP to keep watch on K M Mani cues

Thiruvananthapuram: The BJP state leadership has decided to soften its stand on KC (M) chief K. M. Mani implying that they are ready to welcome him into the NDA. But they would not take an initiative, and Mr Mani would have to make a decision first. BJP sources told DC that since Mr Mani had a good rapport with the central BJP leadership, they would take an appropriate decision at the right time. Meanwhile, speculations are rife that the KC (M) leader is likely to be offered Vice President post.

At the meeting of its office-bearers in Kochi on Monday, BJP state president Kummanam Rajasekharan said the doors of the NDA had been kept open for him. It is evident from his words that they are buying time and waiting for Mr Mani to make a move. But a KC (M) source told DC that it is too early to comment whether he would join the LDF or BJP.

At the last core committee meeting of BJP held at Kozhikode, the former state presidents C. K. Padmanabhan and V. Muraleedharan had objected to roping in the tainted leader. “Earlier, there was no clarity on whether he would ditch the UDF or not. So a section of the BJP leaders was not for bringing in Mr Mani. But now we are adopting a wait and watch policy,” said a senior BJP leader.

Meanwhile, the Kochi meeting decided to initiate a door-to-door campaign to raise Rs 5 crore for the three-day national council and executive meeting in Kozhikode Sept 23 – 25 which Prime Minister Narendra Modi will attend. A top BJP leader told DC that the meeting in Kochi also decided to increase the number of booths to 20, 000 from the existing 12, 000 before the national meet. “It’s going to be a huge challenge to reach the target in less than 40 days. But hope to achieve it,” said a senior leader.