Action against Mani: CPM in catch-22 situation

The CPM seems to be caught between the devil and the deep sea following the central committees directive to take action against former Idukki district secretary M M Mani for his controversial speeches. The Supreme Court turning down Mani’s plea to quash proceedings against him has also come as a jolt to the firebrand leader from Idukki.

When asked about the central committee’s decision, Mani told Express that the media need not bother about things which are not  clear. Mani hung up saying that unless he gets more details, he would not be able to react. About the possible action that is contemplated by the party against Mani, district secretary K K Jayachandran said that it is impossible to speculate on the likely action against Mani now. The state committee and the secretariat will take a decision on it only after a detailed deliberation, he said.

Jayachandran, who is also facing a charge in connection with the murder of Youth Congress leader Anchery Baby, said it was too early to comment about such things. After the central committee’s decision that strict action should be taken against Mani, many of his close aides are said to be maintaining a distance from him. CPM sources said that the party cannot take any severe action against Mani who has contributed immensely to its growth in the district.

Mani is an asset to the party. He had toiled hard to make the party’s presence felt among the grass-roots level. Even people having allegiance to other political parties are soft on Mani owing to his helping mentality.  Meanwhile, the SIT probing into the political murders in Idukki, is all set to go ahead with its probe into the charges against Mani in the wake of the SC ruling. The SIT will meet soon to decide on the future course of action against Mani. The SIT may summon him for further questioning. There is also a possibility of his arrest, sources said.

The SIT is looking forward to the apex court’s order on another plea filed by Mani against the police filing FIR against him in connection with the controversial speech. The apex court is likely to consider the case on August 13. Legal sources said the police can go ahead with further investigation. But a decision like arresting Mani without collecting strong evidence will not be possible.