UDF fails to meet formally

Thiruvananthapuram: The United Democratic Front failed to meet this morning to take decision on the demand for resignation of Finance Minister K. M. Mani over the High Court observations in the bar-bribery case.

A formal meeting of Front leadership had to be aborted as the Finance Minister conveyed his unwillingness to resign. There was also indication that a majority of members of the Assembly of Kerala Congress (Mani) may decided to withdraw support to government if the Mr. Mani was forced to step down.

A section of the Kerala Congress is maintaining that there is nothing that warrants resignation of Mr. Mani in the Court verdict on appeal filed by Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau against the judgment of Vigilance Court here. In fact, the High Court voided the observation of the Vigilance Court that there was prime facie a case against Mr. Mani.

After Mr. Mani’s stand became known, the UDF leaders confined themselves to mutual consultations at Cliff House, the official residence of Chief Minister, instead of holding a formal meeting. A formal meeting, however, may be convened in the afternoon if some understanding could be worked out.

The Muslim League diluted its stand to the effect that Kerala Congress stand was paramount in the matter. Many Congress leaders are demanding that Mr. Mani should resign. "Wait and See," KPCC president V. M. Sudheeran told the media after disucssions with UDF leaders.

Meawhile, the LDF is meeting to chart out agitational programmes demanding resignation of Mr. Mani. A hunger strike before Secretariat is under consideration.