Thiruvananthapuram: BJP state president Kummanam Rajasekharan called on Kerala Congress (M) chairman K.M. Mani at his house in Pala a few days ago in a bid to woo him to the saffron party. Mr Mani has been looking for an opportunity to settle scores with the Congress, but Congress leaders feel that two KC (M) MLAs P. J. Joseph and Mons Joseph will not leave the front.

BJP sources told DC that Mr Kummanam was in Pala to attend the marriage of his close relative when he met Mr Mani. The BJP is keen to rope in KC(M) to win the Christian votes. It may be a matter of time before Mr Mani joins the NDA, it is said. “Mani will join the NDA soon, at the most within a year. He will not be able to continue in the UDF for long,” said a BJP leader.

Once Mr Mani joins the NDA, the image of the saffron party will change. BJP national president Amit Shah was keen to meet Mr Mani during his previous visit to the state, but he could not. Ever since former chief minister Oommen Chandy and Opposition Leader Ramesh Chennithala attended the betrothal ceremony of former revenue minister Adoor Prakash’s son with bar owner Biju Ramesh’s daughter, Mr Mani and his party leaders have been peeved with the Congress. The UDF meeting has also been delayed for fear of facing the wrath of Mr Mani.