Unhappy with the Left, Kerala MLA offers to quit

Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala politics got embroiled in a new development as the Left Democratic Front (LDF)-backed independent MLA Manjalamkuzhi Ali who represents the Mankada constituency in Malappuram district, yesterday announced his plan to resign his seat as well as all other posts that he was holding in his capacity as MLA.

The development is considered a key milestone as the ruling Communist Party of India Marxist (CPM)-led LDF and the Congress-led opposition United Democratic Front face up to each other in the local body elections later this month and the assembly elections early next year.

"I have had enough," Ali said explaining his disillusionment with the Left coalition, adding that he "could not continue in the front, suffering the abuse of the Left leadership".

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Reacting to the comments from the Left camp that he had done enough deals during his tenure, Ali retorted, "Those who have earned millions have no right to accuse me."

Speaking to reporters at his home at Perinthalmanna yesterday, Ali said he could not forget his commitment to the electorate that voted him as their MLA.

"There were a few more things to do, but I could just not suffer the humiliation of the Left leadership," he said.

Among the many posts that Ali will be relinquishing, besides his job as legislator, are his directorship of the Non-Resident Keralites Welfare Association (NORKA), and also his membership of some other bodies related to the welfare of non-residents. Ali, however, would not clarify whether he would accept an invitation from the Indian Union Muslim League and join that party.

Asked for his comments on Ali's resignation, CPM state secretary Pinarayi Vijayan refused to comment, stating that he would "not say even one line".

Another CPM leader, A. Vijayaraghavan, said Ali's resignation had in fact been a previously scripted plan that was just being played out as planned by the UDF.

Opposition leader Oommen Chandy said Ali was "an asset" in the political and public domains. Asked if he would join the UDF, Chandy said it was up to Ali to decide on his next move, and that Ali was a good public worker.