IDUKKI: Minister M M Mani has lashed out at NSS general secretary Sukumaran Nair over the Sabarimala issue. “It was Sukumaran Nair who organized people for the ‘Namajappa procession.’ NSS is trying to help UDF. It is high time for Sukumaran Nair to join Congress and start working for them,” he said.

“The chief minister has already revealed the government’s stand on the Sabarimala issue. The issue is currently being considered by the constitution bench of the Supreme Court. After the final verdict is out, the government will take subsequent measures. The government will only take an appropriate decision after an all party-meet. Until then, talks on the issue have no relevance,” he said.

“The minister rejected the survey results which showed UDF’s dominance in the Idukki region. LDF candidates will win in all five constituencies in the district. P J Joseph will lose Thodupuzha this time,” Mani said.

“Ramesh Chennithala is behind the incident of rejecting NDA candidates’ nomination papers. Chennithala has close links with the BJP leadership. His stand of alleging malpractice in the voters’ list just days ahead of polls is nothing but utter foolishness,” he added.