File photo: Kerala Finance Minister KM Mani
The Central Congress leadership has asked Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy to seek the resignation of state finance minister KM Mani, who is allegedly embroiled in bribery scam, sources told NDTV. Sources said there is a strong possibility that Mr Mani will be told that he would not be able to continue.
The Central leadership's nudge came today after the Kerala high court said Mr Mani's role in a graft case be investigated.
A hotelier in the state, Biju Ramesh, has alleged that Mr Mani demanded and accepted bribe to the tune of Rs. 1 crore for renewal of licences of bars which were shut down for being substandard.
"The common man cannot have a feeling that no investigation has been conducted in a case when accused is a minister," the court order said.
After facing defeat in Kerala civic body poll, Chief Minister Chandy, had ruled out the resignation of Mr Mani, a key ally of the United Democratic Front and the longest serving legislator in Kerala Assembly.