Amid efforts by Congress central leadership to resolve the crisis in UDF, Kerala Congress (M) today stepped up its attack against the party's state leaders, accusing them of plotting against its leader and former Finance Minister K M Mani in the bar bribery case.
In its latest edition, party mouthpiece 'Prathichaya' alleged that Mani had to experience the same ordeal undergone by legendary Congress leader P T Chacko, who was forced to quit the post of key Home and Revenue portfolios in February 16, 1964 after being "trapped" by his fellow Congress leaders in a case related to a woman.
Six months later the same year, Chacko died at the age of 49, pained by the false allegations levelled against him by his fellow Congress leaders, the article said.
"History says then Chief Minister and senior Congress leader R Sankar was the main villain in the Chacko murder," the article said and alleged that successors of the same Congress leaders were behind the "conspiracy against K M Mani" in the bar bribery case.
The article, titled 'P T Chacko Then, K M Mani Now', also alleged that Chacko was forced to resign as minister when his name was being suggested for Chief Minister post replacing Sankar.
"Mani was also forced to quit as Minister the same way. While Chacko faced allegations pertaining to a woman's issue, Mani was trapped in the bar bribery allegations," it said.
The article claimed allegations against Mani cropped up after the LDF leaders started praising Mani's ability as an administrator.
The article comes ahead of the visit of Kerala Pradesh Congress President V M Sudheeran, former Chief Minister Oommen Chandy and Opposition leader Ramesh Chennithala to New Delhi after they were summoned by the party high command to resolve the crisis in Congress and UDF.
The trip of the three leaders to Delhi assumes significance as it comes at a time when Kerala Congress (M) threatens to sever ties with Congress and sit as a separate block in the assembly following differences with that party.
Mani was forced to resign as Finance Minister from the previous UDF government following an adverse remark made by the Kerala High Court in the bar bribery scam.
KC(M) is the third largest partner in the Congress-led UDF Opposition.
