Mani faces opposition in his own party

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Dissent has surfaced in the Kerala Congress (M) over Finance Minister K. M. Mani’s refusal to resign as Minister against the background of the finding of the Vigilance Court that there was prima facie a case against the Minister in bar-bribery case.

There is demand in the party that the high power committee of the party should meet to discuss the matter. It was a tactical error for Mr. Mani not to have resigned earlier. He should at least forgo the Law portfolio now. The Opposition is demanding Mr. Mani’s resignation.

Mr. Mani is adamant in his stand that there is no evidence warranting his resignation. He had neither demanded nor received bribes from bar owners.

Mr. Mani is keeping away from LSG election campaign in view of the court order. The government is unlikely to go on appeal against the order which sought continuation of investigation against Mr. Mani. However, the Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau has sought government permission to approach the High Court as the Court order would affect its administrative procedures.

Meanwhile, the remark of former Vigilance Director Jacob Thomas that he stood justified in initiating enquiry into the bar bribery case was criticized by Director General of Police T. P. Senkumar and Chief Secretary Jiji Thomson.