THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Speaker criticized M M Mani for his defamatory remarks against K K Rema. With this, Mani withdrew his comments against her.

The Speaker said what M M Mani said is a wrong idea and is not a progressive one. The Speaker asked legislators to use words carefully when referring to women, physically and mentally challenged and marginalized sections of society. Slurs and insults based on colour, occupation, family background, caste, religion and gender characteristics are all considered rude in the modern world.

All these things are being subjected to social auditing like never before. Our assembly will be able to adapt to the changing times in this regard. This is not understood by many. Change should not be imposed on anyone but should be prepared to correct oneself. The speaker stated that one word can have many meanings in many situations and it cannot be understood by all.

With this, Mani withdrew his reamarks. It is their own destiny, I should not have said that as a communist, withdrawing my statement, he said.
Mani made the defamatory remarks against K K Rema in the assembly on July 14. Soon after the incident stoked a controversy, the chief minister came in support of Mani.