Kerala: KM Mani demands PC George’s sacking
The rift between Finance Minister K M Mani and his party vice-chairman P C George has plunged the UDF into a deep crisis with the former requesting the UDF leadership to sack George as government’s chief whip.
George has been revolting against Mani over the bar bribery scandal and has demanded his ouster. Besides, there had been several instances when George had landed either his party or the UDF in trouble. The parliamentary party of Kerala Congress had decided that George should be removed.
Chief Minister Oommen Chandy on Friday said that Mani has given a letter demanding the ouster of George. Senior UDF ministers held discussions with Chandy and Mani in a bid to retain George.
What makes the decision tough for the UDF is the strategy of George to stay back in the ruling front and continue the fight against Mani. On the other hand, Mani wants his rival to be thrown out from the post. Mani hardened his stand, saying, “George should be punished. He had violated party discipline despite repeated warnings.”
George, who had a history of wrecking havoc in politics with revelations, said he would not surrender to Mani’s browbeating.
“I would continue as a legislator in the UDF. I want to stay within the UDF after re-floating the Kerala Congress (Secular) which had merged with KC (M) in the past. With hindsight, I realize the merger was a big mistake,” said George.
Source:: Indian Express
