Kerala CPI(M) sacks MM Mani for controversial speech

Bangalore, Jun 7: The CPI(M) on Wednesday

Idukki district secretary MM Mani for his controversial speech that the party had indulged in eliminating political rivals in the past. The speech embarrassed the organisation and invited criticism from all quarters. Sources at the CPI(M)'s state Secretariat said strict disciplinary action was taken against Mani for he remained defiant and refused to quit his post despite all criticism. He was also accused in murder cases. The CPI(M)

was also in favour of Mani's ouster. The secretariat has also sought an explanation from the sacked leader over his controversial speech.

"Mani's speech was used by the party's enemies to corner it. The party has nothing to do with the murders that have taken place in Idukki district. It is all part of a misleading propaganda being carried out by the Congress-led UDF and some media men," a CPM release said after the conclusion of the party's two-day Secretariat meet.

Earlier in the day, the ousted leader failed to turn up before a social investigation team for interrogation and deputed his advocates instead. The team has been set up to probe all political murders since the 1980s by the UDF government after Mani made his controversial remarks. Mani also sought the high court's help to get rid of the charges by seeking the case to be annulled. According to him, it was not right to file an FIR just on the basis of a speech.

Meanwhile, more trouble plagued the CPI(M) leadership in Kerala after another member was booked on the allegation that he had threatened police probing into the murder of an Indian Union Muslim League member. State Committee member MV Jayarajan had asked party members to store water mixed with chilli powder to counter police if they tried to 'harass' them in the name of probe, it is learnt.

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