THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Notwithstanding the public apology tendered by power minister M.M. Mani in connection with his alleged derogatory remarks against Pompilai Orumai, the CPM state leadership is keeping its fingers crossed over the fallout of the current agitation. CPM state secretary Kodiyeri Balakrishnan on Monday tried to put up a brave front saying that Mr Mani had tendered a public apology and that the people of the state would understand it. “There is an attempt from certain quarters to politicise the issue. We are not going to come under such pressure tactics,” he said.
The CPM leadership is trying to save Mr Mani citing his apology regardless of the fact that Pompilai Orumai had rejected it outright. Even the power minister did not sound convincing about his apology. He continued to maintain that his speech was twisted by the media and that he was expressing regret for something which he didn't say. Moreover, he rejected Orumai’s demand for direct apology and resignation. "I will resign only if my party asks me," he said.
Meanwhile, CPM Idukki district leadership is keen to see how the agitation plays out in the coming days. It believes that plantation workers might not come out in large numbers and that it would taper off gradually. There is also an attempt from a section of CPM leaders to pit Lissy Sunny, a Penpilia Oruma leader, against Gomathy to create divisions in their ranks.
On the other hand, the CPI has backed Orumai’s stand that Mr Mani should go to Munnar and tender an unconditional apology before the agitating women workers. There is no love lost between the CPI and Mr Mani, especially in the backdrop of the recent developments related to the anti-encroachment drive in Munnar. Senior CPI leaders are angry over Mr Mani’s repeated interference in the activities of the revenue department. The CPI seems to be utilising the opportunity to push the minister on the backfoot.
