Kerala LDF MLA Ali quits ahead of civic poll

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Kerala’s ruling Left Democratic Front was today served an expected but sour pill by Left-backed independent MLA, Manjalamkuzhi Ali. The MLA representing Mankada in Malappuram district, announced his decision to quit the state assembly, alleging “mistreatment” he experienced in the Left camp.

Ali said it had become impossible for him to continue in the front, “submitting to ill-treatment by the Left leadership”. His resignation was foreseen in the backdrop of factionalism within the CPM and speculation that he had played a role in some rebels from the Left camp contesting in the forthcoming local body elections.

Responding to an allegation from the Left leaders that he had benefited from political trading, Ali said, “Those who have made crores of rupees from politics have no right to pass remarks about my business”.

The development is a major morale booster for Congress in Kerala, which is struggling to escape the embarrassment caused by Congress spokesman Abishek Manu Singhvi acting as counsel for the Bhutan lottery agents, at a time when Congress was attempting to highlight an alleged nexus between the Left leadership and the lottery operators. In that context, Ali’s resignation alleging disenchantment with the LDF provides fresh hope for the Congress-led UDF.

Kerala’s local body elections are scheduled for the end of this month, and the state goes for assembly elections early next year.

An upbeat opposition leader Oommen Chandy described Ali as “an asset” in his role as a public worker, adding that it was up to him to decide whether to join the UDF. In contrast, CPM state secretary Pinarayi Vijayan angrily refused comment when he was asked for a reaction on Ali’s decision to leave the Left front. Later, Vijayan denied Ali’s allegations and said the CPM had treated him with respect.

There is speculation that Ali may join the IUML, but Ali has denied having made any such decision, stating that he would continue in his constituency as an ordinary worker. Ali has decided to step down as MLA, and from his official posts in the Non-resident Keralites Welfare Association, and the Pravasi Bank and the Pravasi Sangham.