Chengannur in focus: BJP leaders woo K M Mani, Vellapally Natesan

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The BJP is turning no stone unturned to ensure that its vote share does not fall in the Chengannur by-election following the BDJS rebellion. BJP candidate P. S. Sreedharan Pillai met SNDP Yogam general secretary Vellapally Natesan in Alappuzha on Saturday while national executive member P. K. Krishnadas held talks with Kerala Congress (M) chairman K. M. Mani at Pala seeking support in the crucial trial of strength.

Mr Krishnadas was camping at Pala since Friday and attended a BJP protest rally taken out to the DYFI office at Meenachil panchayat. Mr Krishnadas told DC that he had paid a courtesy call on Mr Mani but did not discuss any politics.
But it is learnt that Mr Krishnadas sought Mr Mani's support in the by-election. Mr Mani may reveal his stand after the Election Commission announces the polling date. It is said that he may call for a conscience vote leaving the fronts in the lurch.

Mr Sreedharan Pillai who met Mr Vellapally Natesan at the latter's residence said that the meeting was cordial.  "I am hopeful that Vellapally and BDJS will support the BJP,"  he said. But Mr Vellapally maintained that not all was well with the BDJS and the BJP.  A senior BJP leader told DC that they were hopeful of pacifying the BDJS leadership.  BJP state president Kummanam Rajasekharan is expected to visit Chengannur and discuss with party leaders the ways to take the BDJS into confidence.