KOZHIKODE:Even as uncertainty looms over Kerala Congress (M)'s entry into the LDF, K M Mani on Saturday held talks with the Indian Union Muslim League's (IUML) senior leaders here. It gives a strong indication that he is open for discussion and not averse to the League playing a mediator's role in the party's return to UDF.
Ever since Mani parted ways with the UDF, the IUML has been trying hard to bring him back to the UDF. Mani too has been taking a soft stand towards the IUML and had extended his party's support during the successful campaign of the latter's candidate K N A Khader in the Vengara Assembly by-poll.
Mani's meeting with IUML state president Panakkad Sayyid Hyderali Shihab Thangal, IUML national organising secretary E T Mohammed Basheer and national general secretary P K Kunhalikutty at the League House here assumes significance in the wake of the CPI strongly resisting Kerala Congress (M)' entry into the LDF despite the CPM warming up to him.
Asked about the meeting, Mani was guarded in his reply, saying "he wasn't keen on entering all open doors. The people of Kerala could expect a positive outcome out of his meeting with the IUML leaders." He came down heavily on CPI state secretary Kanam Rajendran saying "Kerala Congress need not prove its strength to Kanam."
Meanwhile, both Panakkad Sayyid Hyderali Shihab Thangal and Kunhalikutty said "the IUML has been looking forward to Mani's return to the UDF. We always wanted him back in the UDF."After the meeting, Mani together with the IUML leaders, left for E Ahamed's commemoration meeting.
‘Never said KC(M) would be inducted into LDF’
Thrissur: The CPM had never said the K M Mani-led Kerala Congress would be inducted into the Left Democratic front, said state secretary Kodiyeri Balakrishnan. Replying to the discussion at the state conference, Kodiyeri criticised the CPI had been making remarks on unnecessary things. The CPM's attempt is to destroy the anti-Left political front. Any decision on K M Mani will be taken after consulting the central leadership.