Youth Front-M burns effigy of P.C George

Piravom: Activists of the Kerala Youth Front (M), the youth-wing organisation of Kerala Congress(M), burnt the effigy of Chief Whip P.C George at Thodupuzha in Kottayam in protest against his yesterday’s remarks that Finance Minister KM Mani should have resigned earlier when the controversy erupted.

George, who has made several controversial statements on the issue earlier, told reporters Sunday that if Mani had put in his papers when the controversy broke out, he would have got an opportunity to bounce back after proving his innocence.

Cautioning that the bar scam would cost both KC(M) and the ruling front UDF dear, George, who is also the government chief whip, said that if Mani failed to emerge unscathed, it would be a big setback to the Front during the local body elections this year and Assembly polls next year.

George had in the past few days aired his views against the party leadership related to the bar scam.

However, Mani later had rejected George's remarks stating that it was his personal view only. The minister also said it was his party which decided that he should not resign based on mere allegations.

Coming out in support of Mani, Chief Minister Oommen Chandy had also said there was no circumstances at present to warrant his resignation.

The Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau had recently registered a case against Mani in connection with the charge that he had accepted bribe from bar owners to renew liquor licences.