THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Left Front was disturbed as the political controversy over former minister MM Mani's offensive speech against Rema escalated into a fight between Mani and CPI leaders.

Mani's remark yesterday against CPI national leader Annie Raja ignited yet another controversy. Later, CPI Idukki District Secretary KK Sivaraman retorted by saying that CPM politburo member Brinda Karat is also sitting in Delhi. Mahila Sangham and A.I.Y.F also came out against Mani.

By Saturday evening, Mani softened his tone as he became aware of the uneasiness caused within the left front during the assembly session. Mani said he had not insulted Rema and would do as the party demanded. He also accused the UDF of calling Rema a widow.

Meanwhile, the CPI state leadership is unhappy with Annie Raja for publicly reacting to the controversy related to Mani, a CPM leader. The state leaders are of the view that it was not right on her part to comment on topics related to the Left Front in Kerala.

CPI state secretary Kanam Rajendran reiterated yesterday that Mani made the remark in the assembly and that the Speaker will decide on the matter. Although the CPM does not reject the remarks made by Mani, it is also of the view that it should not worsen the situation by supporting Mani.

The UDF is adamant that it will not back down without an apology from Mani. The opposition is planning to continue the agitation when the assembly session resumes on Monday.

The UDF is alleging that MM Mani caused provocation by refusing to apologise for his remarks against Rema to avoid the situation where the Chief Minister would have had to answer the question that was supposed to come up in the House on Friday on the subject of the gold smuggling case.