Conspiracy behind charge against me, says Mani

Kottayam: Finance Minister and Kerala Congress(M) supremo K M Mani, who is under a cloud over charges of corruption on the bar licence issue, Tuesday alleged there was a conspiracy behind it and that opposition LDF's planned stir demanding his resignation was with 'political motives.'

Speaking to reporters after a high-power committee meeting of KC(M) here, he alleged there there was a conspiracy behind the charge levelled by Kerala Bar Owners Association Working President Biju Ramesh.

"It is an attempt to tarnish the image of the party which is celebrating the 50th year of its formation. A legal notice has been issued to him and let the reply come. My life is an open book", he added.

LDF's planned stir over the issue was with political motives, he alleged.

Biju Ramesh had alleged that Mani had taken Rs one crore and demanded Rs five crore on the promise of reopening 418 closed bars from owners.

The UDF government a few months back had ordered closure of all bars, except those attached to five-star hotels as part of its move to take the state to total prohibition in 10 years. Earlier Government had declined to renew licences of 418 bars for lack of required facilities.

Mani, in reply to a question, said the party had not put in any application before the CPI(M) led LDF, seeking entry into the Front.