THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: CPI state secretary Kanam Rajendran on Sunday responded to the criticism levelled against the party leadership at the CPI Thiruvananthapuram district conference. Kanam said that the action of CPI national leader Annie Raja, who criticized MM Mani for his remarks against KK Rama, was not in line with the party's stand.

"The state leadership has no obligation to protect Annie Raja. Annie Raja's response is not in line with the party position. The response should have been in consultation with the state unit. It wasn't necessary to respond to a criticism that has not been discussed. A letter has been given to the national executive to discuss such responses", Rajendran said.

In the meeting, the representatives had criticized that the CPI state leadership did not confront the action of MM Mani who insulted Annie Raja. Kanam Rajendran's response came against this.