Protests against Power Minister M.M. Mani’s alleged remarks about women echoed in the Kerala Assembly on Tuesday. The Opposition United Democratic Front disrupted the proceedings and the House was adjourned amid protests.
T. Radhakrishnan gave notice for an adjournment motion on the remarks made by Mr. Mani about political leaders, officials engaged in evicting encroachments in Munnar and the women’s collective, Pengal Otrumai.
Pinarayi’s reply
Soon after Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan replied to the notice, Speaker P. Sreeramakrishnan called Mr. Mani to offer a personal explanation. Opposition members trooped to the well of the House and said this was against precedent. They insisted that Mr. Mani be called only after Mr. Radhakrishnan addressed the House. The Speaker conceded.
Mr. Radhakrishnan, who offered complete support to Revenue Minister E. Chandrasekharan’s decision to evict encroachments, accused Mr. Mani of targeting officials and making unsavoury comments on women.
Mr. Mani then offered an explanation and Mr. Vijayan clarified the government stance on the issue. Mr. Mani denied making any disparaging comments against Pengal Otrumai.
Even those in the collective had no complaint — its president had clarified, he said. It was not the organisation that had gone on strike in Munnar. Of the six protesters, four were from the organisation and two others were Mahila Congress leaders Bindu Krishna and BJP leader Sobha Surendran, he said.
Women on hunger strike
Pengal Otrumai leaders Gomathy, Rajeswary and Kausalyai, meanwhile, began an indefinite hunger strike at Munnar town seeking Mr. Mani’s resignation and an apology for his alleged derogatory comments about the organisation.
The collective has been on a road blockade agitation since Sunday. Support to the agitation from various quarters has been pouring in amid allegations that the CPI(M) is threatening estate workers from participating in it.
There were anxious moments when a rally raising slogans in support of Mr. Mani passed by the venue of the agitation. A large number of police personnel were posted to avoid any untoward incident.
