Kerala Assembly pays tributes to K M Mani

The Kerala Assembly Monday paid glowing tributes to sitting MLA and Kerala Congress (M) supremo K M Mani, who passed away recently following an illness. A former minister, Mani had represented Pala in the House for five decades.

Eighty-six-year-old Mani died at a private hospital on April 9 while undergoing treatment for pulmonary disease. Legislators of the ruling CPI(M)-led LDF and opposition Congress-headed UDF paid homage to the departed leader on the opening day of the 15th session of the House and recalled his contributions.

Lauding the contributions of Mani, a former Finance Minister, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said he was an "unparalleled leader", from whom young legislators have to draw lessons. For over 50 years, Mani had represented Pala continuously in the house, which is a record, he said.

Opposition leader Ramesh Chennithala also lavished praise on Mani. Cutting across politics, the members of the House shared their memories of the KC(M) stalwart.

The House was later adjourned for the day after observing a minute's silence as a mark of respect to the late leader. The business session, scheduled from May 28-July 5, would begin on Tuesday.

The House would meet till May 30 and reconvene on June 10, after a break. The discussion on the state budget would begin on May 29.

Several significant bills, including Finance Appropriation Bills, are expected to be taken up during the session, which would conclude on July 5. It is the first session after the crucial April 23 Lok Sabha polls, in which the opposition Congress-led UDF swept winning 19 seats in the state, while the ruling CPI(M)-led LDF suffered a massive drubbing with only one seat.