CHALAKUDY: Alleging disrespect to Kalabhavan Mani by the Municipal Council and the MLA, artistes' organizations staged 'Mani sangamam' in protest. Representatives of art organizations and political and social representatives gathered in front of the municipal office. Film star Irshad Ali inaugurated the protest.

A protest dance was also organized. Irshad said that when atrocities are being committed against women and downtrodden in other states, the only hope we have is in our culturally rich state. He also said that the attitude of the local government, which is hurting the memories of an artist who was famous throughout South India, is painful

Mani's brother Dr. RLV Ramakrishnan presided. Former MLA BD Devasi, Dr. MN Vinayakumar, singer Pandalam Balan, Vasudevan Panambilly, Dennis K Antony, Kalabhavan Jayan, film star Rajeev Rajan and others spoke.

It is caste discrimination and political vendetta that prompts the current administration to denigrate even the memory of Kalabhavan Mani.

Dr. RLV Ramakrishnan

The current MLA and the Municipal Council failed to construct a cultural center for the Folklore Academy in the name of Kalabhavan Mani.

BD Devasi, Former MLA

The construction of the Kalabhavan Mani memorial monument was not carried out despite receiving administrative approval in 2017 due to the failure of the then MLA BD Devasi. The matter was raised twice in the assembly and a letter was given to the minister. The minister visited the site as well. The responsibility will be handed over to the Uralungal Society. The former MLA is making the allegation to cover up his own misdeeds.

Saneesh Kumar Joseph, MLA