Conspiracy against me, alleges K.M Mani

Thiruvananthapuram: Hours after the High Court verdict upholding the Special Vigilance Court's direction in the bar bribery case, Finance Minister K.M Mani Monday alleged there was a conspiracy against him.

“At my party meeting tomorrow, we will discuss this. But I wish to add that there has been a conspiracy in this and it will come out too,” Mani told reporters.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Oommen Chandy said that since most of the leaders are out of the city, a meeting has been called for Tuesday.

"I have got in touch with a few leaders and tomorrow we have decided to meet here (Thiruvananthapuram) to discuss the issue," said Chandy.

Meanwhile, in reply to a question if Mani's resignation has been sought, he asked: "Who has sought his resignation?".

Angry Left supporters gathered in large numbers outside Mani's colony and raised slogans against Mani.

Various leaders of the Congress party including legislators like V.D.Sateeshan, T.N.Prathapan besides senior Congress party office bearers like A.P. Anil Kumar and others have said that Mani has to step down.

Mani's estranged party colleague and six time legislator P.C. George said that if Mani has any shame, he should not only resign but apologise to the people as well.

"The only crime I did was, eight months back I said what the court observed today and for that I was suspended from the party. Mani has to go," said George.

The LDF Opposition, which was on warpath seeking Mani's removal from the cabinet ever since the scam broke out last year, was quick to once again press for his removal.

CPI(M) state secretary Kodiyeri Balakrishnan told reporters that Mani and Chandy should resign immediately, while Marxist veteran V S Achuthanandan wanted Mani to quit if he had any "self respect remaining".