CM Pinarayi Vijayan minds Mani's step

Thiruvananthapuram: Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Wednesday ridiculed Kerala Congress K.M. Mani’s equidistant policy towards UDF, LDF and NDA, wondering how he could see anything positive in the BJP, which is led by the RSS.

Replying to questions on Mr Mani at the Cabinet briefing here, the Chief Minister said the Sangh Parivar’s Ghar Wapsi was also anti-minority as it targeted churches in North India.

After quitting the UDF, Mr Mani had categorically stated that his party would maintain equidistance from the three political formations, but would support the pro people initiatives.

Mr Pinarayi said after Mr Mani’s exit the UDF is almost on the verge of collapse. The UDF stood on three pillars – Congress, Kerala Congress and Muslim League. But just two months after the Assembly polls one of the pillars has caved in. One can only imagine the state of such a structure.

The Chief Minister said the CPM had earlier predicted UDF collapse after Assembly polls. But the people who mocked at us then, have now realised the truth. Our prediction has come true.

Mr Pinarayi said Mani’s decision to leave UDF has happened naturally With this, UDF disintegration is now almost complete.

When asked about CPM state secretary Kodiyeri Balakrishnan’s statement about issue-based cooperation with Mani, Mr Pinarayi said on broader issues of workers the Left even joins hands with BJP trade unions.

The Chief Minister’s remarks come in the wake of attempts being made by BJP leadership to woo Kerala Congress. The BJP believes that a tie-up with Christian dominated party could give the party the much needed boost in the state especially in central Travancore and emerge as a major opposition front.