THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: CPM politburo member Brinda Karat on Monday condemned power minister M.M. Mani’s alleged derogatory statement against ‘Pompilai Orumai,’ terming it as highly objectionable and insulting to women. Ms Karat told DC that the minister’s remarks were against the culture of the CPM which defended the rights of women. The party cannot accept any leader making remarks which are demeaning and degrading to women, she added. CPI leader and general secretary of National Federation of Indian Women (NFIW) Annie Raja said the LDF should uphold the high moral values as it did in the case of E.P. Jayarajan and A.K. Saseendran, the two ministers who were forced to resign on the charges of nepotism and sexually explicit conversation with a woman. “In this case also, the LDF should take a firm decision,” she said throwing enough hints that Mr Mani should be asked to step down.
The CPI leader said the minister’s statement reflected the mindset of capitalists and feudal lords who employed tactics of character assassination against women who dare to speak against injustice. “It is unthinkable to hear such remarks from a Left leader with over five decades of public life and a minister who has the responsibility of protecting all citizens,” she added. Ms Raja said the apology tendered by Mr Mani was not credible as he continues to blame the media for distorting his speech. “It would have certainly raised his credibility as a Left leader had he personally gone to the Pompilai Orumai and expressed regret for his highly disparaging remarks,” she added. The Left leaders should not do what the bourgeoisie party leaders often do. “They make derogatory remarks against women and soon follow up with apologies,” Ms Annie Raja said.
