Minister row: Yechury's intervention sought to remove Mani

The Congress-led UDF in Kerala today sought the intervention of CPI(M) General Secretary Sitaram Yechury in expelling Power Minister M M Mani for his alleged offensive remarks against women and government officials.

In a letter sent to Yechury today, a copy of which was released to the media here, Leader of Opposition in the state assembly Ramesh Chennithala pointed out the alleged "serious misdemeanours" committed by Mani and said the minister had lost the moral right to continue in office.

The minister's continuation in office had become "untenable" due to his alleged derogatory remarks insulting womanhood, Chennithala said and added Yechury should intervene to uphold the party's well-declared positions on democratic values, women's empowerment, public decency and decorum.

The minister has also been making "intimidating statements against government officials who have been executing their duty in a committed manner to evict encroachments on government property," he added.

Mani's adverse remarks against women constitutes a serious offence under the relevant provisions of the IPC, he said.

"The minister's intimidating statement against government officials also crossed the well-laid time-tested procedures relating to the conduct of ministers and officials. The minister's language style has been offensive, if not abusive," the letter said.

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