THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The condition of the government, which is mired in frequent controversies, is a political setback for the Left Front and the CPM. The latest setback was the court's order to file a case against LDF convener EP Jayarajan in connection with the in-flight protest against the Chief Minister. The police had to file a case against Jayarajan soon after Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said in the assembly there was no need for a case against Jayarajan. The court ordered to file a case against Jayarajan within 24 hours after the chief minister said in the assembly that the complaint of youth congressmen that they were assaulted during the protest was false. This turned out to be a political victory for the UDF, which raised the issue in the House and outside. All the developments after Swapna Suresh's revelations have been putting the Left Front on the defensive politically. The front has been experiencing backlash in every controversy. The fact that the police were found at fault in most of these incidents has put the Home Department on the defensive. Although the government tried to retaliate without yielding to the political demands of the opposition, it was forced to backtrack later. The police faced yet another blow when Youth Congress vice president KS Sabarinathan, who was arrested on a serious charge of conspiring to assassinate the Chief Minister in an airplane, was released without remand. The Opposition is celebrating this.

Mani's controversial statement and withdrawal

MM Mani's remark against KK Rema in the assembly had also stoked a controversy. The opposition was further provoked when the Chief Minister defended Mani in the House. The ruling parties were also dissatisfied. Several national leaders of the CPI criticised Mani for his remark. The CPM, which was not ready to reject Mani, took a stand that the matter should cool down by itself. While Speaker MB Rajesh, who gave a strong ruling on the issue yesterday, upheld the dignity of the House, MM Mani withdrew his controversial remark. Mani, who had initially said that he will not withdraw his statement, changed his mind considering the high sentiments raised by many within the party. However, Mani's withdrawal was a setback for the CPM considering the fact that the CM, who had defended Mani, is yet to correct his statement.