Leading Kerala politician KM Mani passes away

Mani had had the unique achievement of being a member of the State Legislative Assembly for over 50 years. He has also been representing his native Pala Assembly constituency since its inception in 1964. He was also the longest serving Minister in Kerala. Mani had the privilege of presenting State budget in the Assembly 13 times. His Kerala Congress party was almost synonymous with his name. He relentlessly worked for the welfare of the rubber farmers in the high ranges. He switched sides between the Congress and the Left.

He resigned as Finance Minister in 2015 after a bar owner alleged that he had taken crores of rupees from him to get closed bars in the State reopened.

He was a member of the KPCC from 1959 until 1964 when the Kerala Congress was formed.

He is survived by wife Kuttiyamma, daughters Smitha, Sali, Annie and son Jose K. Mani. Jose K Mani, is a Rajya Sabha MP. Centring him there has been a revolt in the party led by PJ Joseph.

The funeral will be held on Thursday at the Pala Cathedral church with full State honours.