THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Senior CPM leader and former minister M M Mani has given a sharp reply to CPI leader Annie Raja, who criticized Mani over his controversial remarks against K K Rema MLA. Taking a dig at the CPI leader, Mani asked, “How will Annie Raja, who works in Delhi, know about the issues going on in the Kerala assembly?”. Following which, Annie Raja came forward with a sharp reply for the criticisms.

“She will say that. She is in Delhi, not here. Only we would know the problems we face in the Kerala assembly. How will Annie Raja know about it? Even if she says so, it doesn’t matter to us. I said it like that. If I get time, then I will say it beautifully. Will say it again”, said M M mani.

Meantime, Annie Raja has responded to Mani's remarks. “My responsibility is to uphold women's politics and I will do it even if I am in Delhi or abroad. Kerala is my state. I am moving forward without fearing the RSS or the BJP. The politics involving Mani should consider whether insult is right. I will not give in to threats. Not even Modi or Amit Shah could threaten me”, said Annie Raja.

Last day, Annie Raja had said that Mani’s remarks were not suited for a communist. Using a woman's tragedy to win arguments is highly reprehensible. Time has changed. Leaders should realize that the language also needs to change with time, she added. Earlier, Mani had said that K K Rema’s widowhood is her fate. The opposition has staged huge protests against the remarks. However, senior leaders including, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, extended support to Mani and his remarks.