Thiruvananthapuram: The UDF meeting held on Tuesday decided to intensify the strike against power minister M M Mani for his "lewd" remarks against women. Former Chief Minister Oommen Chandy will visit Munnar on Wednesday where he will address a public meeting. UDF MLAs will hold a satyagraha in front of Martyrs’ column at Palayam on Wednesday evening as part of the protests against Mani. After the meeting, Opposition leader Ramesh Chennithala told reporters that the sathyagraha would be held seeking Mani’s removal from office.
Chennithala recalled that on Sunday when Mani’s outburst had snowballed into a major controversy, he had said that he would step down if the party asked him to do so. “Mani should not be allowed to continue in the cabinet. The CPM central leadership as well as the LDF should clarify its stand on Mani. We are curious to hear what General Secretary Sitaram Yechury has to say about Mani”, said Chennithala. He maintained that the Opposition would continue their protests until Mani stepped down.
