Ahead of almost every election, the name of Nisha Jose K Mani, wife of Kerala Congress (M) leader Jose K Mani, invariably comes up on the list of probable candidates.
The rumours were much stronger this time, as the party is all set to wrestle back the Pala seat left vacant after the demise of Kerala Congress (M) supremo K M Mani in April.
But the United Democratic Front (UDF) announced on Sunday that its candidate would be senior KC (M) leader Jose Tom Pulikkunnel, putting an end to speculations on whether Nisha would try her luck at the electoral ballot.
Nisha Jose K Mani talks to Manorama about Pala bypoll, rumours around her candidature and more.
Till the last minute, Nisha's name was said to be on the candidate list...
K M Mani entrusted two things to me and my husband -- his wife Kuttiyamma and Pala town. Our aim is to do our bit in ensuring that his last wish is fulfilled. Every household in Pala misses the presence of the veteran leader. We try our best to be a part and parcel of their lives, in times of grief and joy.
Was Nisha's name discussed during the meets on candidate selection?
Neither me nor my husband Jose raised such a demand. No such discussion happened either.
First your name had come up and but eventually the opportunity went to someone else. Are your disappointed?
I am not disappointed at this development. We are actively involved in charity works. This is a practice we have been following for a long time.
However, people allege that this work is undertaken for a better political career. But the ones who point fingers seldom do anything for the well-being of the society. This makes it more disheartening.
How do you face criticisms?
Achachan (K M Mani) was our strength. He used to tell us that even if miss out on wedding functions, we should attend funerals.
I recently attended a funeral. I did not enter the house as I was not keeping well. Nobody noticed me there. When I met the family later, they complained of my absence. It made me realise that visiting families weren't enough. We had to console the family members during their hard times.
We should try to learn new lessons from the criticisms.
Party workers had urged someone from K M Mani's family should battle the polls.
Entire Pala is K M Mani's family. We are just a small part of this huge family.
