No need to be pessimistic over Modi: Kerala minister

Thiruvananthapuram, May 24 (IANS) Kerala's Finance Minister K. M. Mani Saturday said there was no need to be pessimistic over BJP leader Narendra Modi becoming India's next prime minister.

"A strong centre is good for states and we in Kerala need not be pessimistic because Modi is becoming the prime minister," said Mani, who is also the head of the Kerala Congress (Mani) and the third biggest ally of the ruling Congress-led United Democratic Front.

Mani told reporters here that the state would wait and see.

"We will put our state's needs before the centre and we are optimistic. In case we are not given our due, then we will think what needs to be done. May be we can register our protest, if such a situation arises," said Mani, who has been a legislator since 1967.

The Bharatiya Janata Party failed to win any seat in the state in the Lok Sabha election.

All eyes will be on Modi to see if he appoints any BJP leader from Kerala in his cabinet. In the outgoing government, Kerala had a record two cabinet and six state ministers.