THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Protests were staged in the assembly on Friday over M M Mani’s controversial remarks against K K Rema MLA. The opposition has demanded an apology from Mani. As the protests intensified, the speaker cancelled the question hour. Soon after the assembly was adjourned, the opposition walked out of the house raising placards and banners.

Last day, Mani had delivered a speech after Vadakara MLA and late T P Chandrasekharan’s wife K K Rema’s speech, criticizing the department of home affairs. “A great woman spoke against the chief minister; against the LDF government. I shall say. That great woman became a widow. That’s her fate. None of us are responsible for that”, said Mani. Later, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan justified Mani saying that he only meant that neither the CPM nor the LDF had any role in Rema’s widowhood.

The opposition has demanded Mani to apologize for his remarks on Friday as well. They intensified protests during the question hour. It was not the court verdict that led to the killing of T P Chandrasekharan. I was amazed to see the chief minister defending Mani, said opposition leader V D Satheesan.

While the speaker entered the question hour, the opposition took center stage of the house in protest. Although the speaker demanded to cooperate, the opposition refused to do so. Following which, the question hour was cancelled and the assembly was adjourned. The house will next meet on Monday.