The Kerala Congress (M), the third largest partner of the ruling Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) led by embattled Finance Minister KM Mani, is threatening to pull down the government. 

Amply loaded words to this effect came in from Thomas Unniyadan, Government Chief Whip and member of the nine-member Kerala Congress (M).

'Not alone'

Speaking to newspersons, he implied that Mani 'would not resign alone' following adverse comments from the Kerala High Court in the bar bribery case.

But Unniyadan did not seem to have weighed in the 'dissension' from a party faction led by Water Resources Minister PJ Joseph.

The Joseph group has stated its intention not to stand down merely because some others want it, come what may.

But the 'official' Kerala Congress (Mani) party leadership led by CF Thomas and Unniyadan has denied reports of dissent from within the party.

Number game

The Mani faction has six members, including Mani, while Joseph claims the allegiance of the rest. Meanwhile, PC George, the controversial former Chief Whip and a Mani accolade-turned-baiter, has announced his resignation as an MLA 'showing the way for Mani'.

This brings down the Kerala Mani Congress strength to eight. But the number is too big for Chief Minister Oommen Chandy to ignore; he enjoys a wafer thin majority of four in the 140-member Assembly. 

Defers decision

Meanwhile, a crucial UDF meeting that was scheduled to begin at 11 am did not take place since 'it lacked quorum.' Its leadership has deferred a decision on Mani's resignation later today. 

It has since transpired that the UDF may be waiting to hear the latest from a crucial meeting of the steering committee of the Kerala Congress (Mani) which is now in session here.

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