Kerala elections: Meet the two shrewd men of Kottayam

In Kottayam, Kerala, it is impossible to miss the two politically astute men who are on top of the game despite their age. Both have a string of election victories from one single constituency each. Both are powerful but tackling allegations of corruption. We are talking about, incumbent Chief Minister, 72-year-old Oommen Chandy of the Congress and former state finance minister 83-year-old KM Mani of the Kerala Congress (M).

VETERAN WINNERS

It seems Kerala has a way of nurturing veterans. They rule the roost in state politics and Chandy and Mani are no exceptions. Their constituencies are about 30 km apart in the same district, Kottayam. Oommen Chandy has won 10 straight elections from Puthuppally and KM Mani has completed a golden jubilee in the state assembly, having been victorious a record 12 times from Pala.

Number 13 is considered unlucky by many Indians, but Mani does not agree. "Thirteen is a lucky number for me," he says. The people of Pala have sent him to the assembly for over 50 years now and he believes this time too they will repose their faith in him. He brushes aside allegations of corruption in the bar bribery case. He had to step down as the state's finance minister last year after an adverse comment by the court and yet he terms his resignation "voluntary". He says two inquiries in the case have found nothing against him, so there is no question of his re-election being influenced by the case.

MANI, THE MAN BEHIND PROHIBITION

We reached his residence, a pristine white bungalow nestled in the verdant greens on the gateway to the Western Ghats in the afternoon. We were told he is resting, having spent the entire morning visiting various polling stations. He stepped out after a good 45 minutes, in a crisp starched white cotton kurta and lungi, the traditional Malayali attire and sat on his "favourite" chair. He claimed no other finance minister would have agreed to liquor prohibition in the state as alcohol is a major source of revenue to the exchequer. But despite the estimated loss of Rs 800 crore, he agreed to it for the greater good of the people, especially the women in Kerala, who as someone said "want a peaceful family life and therefore support liquor prohibition." He alleges that it was this bold step of his that resulted in people with vested interests leveling allegations against him

SOLAR SCAM ALLEGATIONS: CHANDY UNFAZED

As far as allegations go, incumbent CM Oommen Chandy too has not been left untouched. Saritha Nair, one of the main accused in the solar scam, after first denying Chandy had any role, alleged that she paid him Rs 1.90 crore through his aides. Chandy refuted all accusations when he came to polling station number 111 in Puthuppally to cast his vote. "These are just allegations, they are far from reality," he said. He expressed optimism about UDF making a comeback even though Kerala has never voted an incumbent government back to power. Just like Mani, he too was dismissive about the buzz around the BJP, saying the saffron party will be unable to open its account in the state, as "the people of Kerala reject their policies".

Chandy walked down to the polling station at the Georgian Public School, Puthuppally, from his residence along with his family. He too, like Mani was traditionally dressed and once out of the polling booth was mobbed by reporters. Surrounded by people and the humid weather, he was soon dripping with perspiration, but like any other smart politician he continued answering all questions and showed no discomfort on the tough questions, including those alluding to a possible defeat. For a man who has risen through the ranks, it is quite obvious he has learnt the lessons of politics well.