THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The United Democratic Front (UDF) has decided to boycott power minister MM Mani for his controversial remarks against women's collective Pembilai Orumai.
The UDF parliamentary council decided not to ask questions to the minister in the Assembly as they continued with their demand for his resignation. On the second day of the session UDF MLAs raised slogan reiterating their demand.
Meanwhile, Opposition leader Ramesh Chennithala wrote a letter to CPM general secretary Sitaram Yetchury for directing Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan to remove Mani from the cabinet.
KPCC vice-president VD Satheesan MLA blamed the government for being anti-women in its conduct. “The police and the CPM are trying to suppress the Munnar agitation,” he said. According to him Mani's words were not innocent words coming out of a rustic mind but rather sheer arrogance.
CM supports Mani
Pinarayi Vijayan defended Mani in Assembly on Wednesday. He blamed media for misinterpreting Mani’s speech. “Protestors are accusing him of things which he had not said. That is why there is no popular support for the protest. There would be no discussion on him as Mani has already apologised," said Pinarayi.
Speaking on the anti-encroachment drive at Munnar, the CM said the drive was against big encroachers and it should not be allowed to halt the distribution of pattaya titles.