Mani, former Kerala finance minister and the longest-serving legislator in the state, may soon quit the opposition alliance along with his five MLAs, local media reported. Local news channel Mathrubhumi Monday reported that Mani, a legislator for 50 years, has decided to sever ties with the UDF. KC (M) is considered to have a strong support of Christians in Kerala, especially in the central Kerala districts such as Kottayam and Idukki. In the 2016 Kerala assembly election, the UDF had lost power, with its seats down to 47 from the previous 72 in the 140-member assembly. We are out of power now and Mani also has corruption charges on him; these two could be the possible reason why he wants to quit UDF,” said a senior Congress leader, aware of developments.

Source: Mint August 01, 2016 14:48 UTC