The third death anniversary of Kerala Congress (M) leader K.M. Mani here on Saturday turned out to be a show of strength for the party.
The event, held at the Thirunakkara ground, started with party chairman Jose K. Mani, MP, offering floral tributes to the late leader. He was followed by senior party leaders, including Water Resources Minister Roshy Augustine and Chief Whip N. Jayaraj, besides Thomas Chazhikadan, MP, and party legislators.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Mani described the late Mani as a great philanthropist. “The divisions along caste, creed or political affiliations never came in the way of his love for fellow human beings,” he said.
Hundreds of party workers from different parts of the State offered their homage to the late leader.
Earlier in the day, the party chairman and his family members visited the tomb of the late leader at the Pala cathedral and offered prayers.
The party will organise district-level events from April 10 to 15 to mark the occasion. The KC(M) district committees had been tasked to construct at least one charity home in every district.
Meanwhile, the rival Kerala Congress faction led by PJ Joseph, MLA, held a separate function to pay tributes to Mani. Senior leaders, including party working chairman P.C. Thomas and Mons Joseph, MLA, offered floral tributes to Mani in Pala.
Mr. Joseph said Mani had utilised all the opportunities he received during his long political life to help farmers. “Mani stood firmly with the United Democratic Front (UDF) and guided the coalition and the party,’‘ he said.
