‘Emotional outburst’: MM Mani walks back remarks criticising voters

Idukki: Senior CPM leader and Udumbanchola MLA MM Mani has expressed regret over his remarks criticising voters following the LDF’s poll debacle in the local body elections.

Addressing the media here on Sunday, the former minister said he made the comments in a moment of distress after the election results and did not intend to insult the public.

After the local body poll results showed a major setback for the LDF, Mani had accused voters of betraying the LDF government despite benefiting from welfare schemes and development initiatives.

“People betrayed the LDF after receiving welfare pensions and enjoying government benefits. The LDF government ensured better public infrastructure, including roads, across the State. Yet, people defeated us in the polls,” Mani had told the media on Saturday.

The remarks triggered a political controversy, with Congress leaders, including Leader of the Opposition V. D. Satheesan, strongly criticising Mani for insulting voters. They argued that welfare pensions and development projects were public entitlements and not favours extended by the LDF.

CPM general secretary Baby also distanced the party from Mani’s remarks, stating that the comments reflected his personal views. He also noted that the MLA’s remark was unnecessary. 

Subsequently, Mani issued a clarification, describing his controversial statement as an emotional outburst made in the heat of the moment.

He said Idukki district had witnessed significant improvements in road infrastructure and development projects under the LDF government and added that he felt disappointed when these efforts were not reflected in the poll verdict.

At the same time, Mani said he accepted his mistake and reiterated that he stood by the party leadership’s position on the issue.