The demise of Kerala Congress (M) supremo, KM Mani, who was one of the most prominent politicians in the history of Kerala has created a huge vacuum in the politics of the state. Condolence messages have started pouring from all corners of the political spectrum following the demise of the 86-year-old veteran politician, at the Lakeshore hospital in Ernakulam on Tuesday evening.
Paying condolences to the veteran leader, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said that the death of KM Mani, is a huge loss, not just for the Kerala Congress, but for the entire state of Kerala. “The state has lost an eminent legislator, who was able to study and present the problems of the state. There are a lot of qualities that the new legislators can emulate from Mani’s personality,” said Pinarayi Vijayan. The Kerala CM went on to add that Mani was also able to present the larger interests of the state, especially the interests of the farmers in the assembly.
Speaking to the media, an emotional Oommen Chandy, who was also the former Chief Minister of the state, as well as someone close to KM Mani said, “We have known each other personally as well as politically for a really long period of time. When I was CM twice, KM Mani took care of the Finance and Home ministry in my cabinet.” The former CM also added that, “In my 49 years of presence in the Legislative Assembly, he was also present there with me. He was not just a friend or a colleague to me. He was a leader who gave me self confidence.”
VS Achuthanandan, Communist leader and former CM of the state also offered his condolences to the leader. “KM Mani, a veteran politician who has consecutively been elected 13 times as MLA from Pala, Kottayam, spent 54 years as a member of the Kerala Assembly and seen 12 assemblies had nurtured personal relationships beyond politics,” said the Communist stalwart.
Offering his condolences, P Sathasivam, the Governor of Kerala said, “I am deeply grieved by the sad demise of Shri. K M Mani, senior legislator and former Minister who earned the unstinted support of the people through welfare measures like pension for farmers , Karunya Lottery Benevolent Scheme etc.”
“I convey my profound condolences to the bereaved family. May his soul rest in peace,” added the Governor.
Also offering their tributes and condolences to the Kerala Congress leader were the BJP leaders, O Rajagopal and PS Sreedharan Pillai. O Rajagopal, who is a sitting MLA from the Nemom constituency in Thiruvananthapuram said, “The demise of KM Mani who has been an MLA for over half a century and occupied various ministerial posts is an irreparable loss.” Rajagopal went on to say that despite following different ideologies, it never hindered them from developing a personal relationship. “I lost a very good friend and offer my condolences,” he added.
“KM Mani has been an iconic figure in Kerala politics,” said BJP state president PS Sreedhara pillai as he offered his condolences. “The demise of KM Mani is an irreparable loss to Kerala politics,” added Sreedharan Pillai.
In a political career spanning over five decades, KM Mani was also the longest serving member of the Kerala Legislative Assembly, serving for 52 years. Mani represented the constituency of Pala this entire time. He is the only politician to be elected from the same constituency for 13 consecutive elections.