SOUTH
The Power Minister MM Mani's refusal to apologise for his lewd comment on Pombilai Orumai has irked the women's collective, which launched an indefinite hunger stir in Munnar town on Tuesday. BJP, UDF and AAP are backing the protest.
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The minister's controversial statement provoked uproar in the Kerala Assembly. The opposition brought in an adjournment motion and demanded the resignation of MM Mani.
Related: Clamour for MM Mani's head: Is controversial minister on his way out?
In his response, Mani justified his speech and reiterated his stand that he had not insulted women. "I have not used the word women in the speech," the minister said. He criticized the hunger stir by Pombilai Orumai in Munnar.
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Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan also justified Mani and stated that the minister only aired his views in a local slang. Some people are blowing things out of proportion, he added. The Chief Minister had criticised Mani's speech on Sunday. But he preferred to back his cabinet colleague when the clamour for his resignation gained momentum.
“This is not the first time Mani has insulted women,” said leader of opposition Ramesh Chennithala, reiterating the UDF’s resolve to carry forward the protest against the minister inside and outside the assembly. The UDF legislators stormed into the well of the House with placards and banners demanding the minister’s resignation.
Related: Minister Mani's statement lands Pinarayi Vijayan govt. in soup
The Pombilai Orumai protest in Munnar town, which began on Sunday intensified with the agitators launching an indefinite hunger stir demanding resignation of the minister.