MM Mani Retracts ‘Gratitude’ Remark, Cites Emotional Reaction
Idukki: Following a significant setback for his party in the recent local body elections, M.M. Mani, a prominent MLA, has retracted his controversial and derogatory remarks aimed at voters. Mani clarified that his initial statement was made “out of emotion” given the circumstances prevailing at the time. He emphasized his complete acceptance of the party’s official stance that his reaction was inappropriate.
“I should not have reacted that way. I accept the criticisms,” Mani stated, reiterating, “The party had taken the stand that my reaction was not right, and that is my stand too. It was said in yesterday’s situation; you can consider it as something said out of an emotion at that moment.” The controversy ignited after remarks he made during the local body election results announcement. Mani had controversially claimed that citizens who had benefited from welfare pensions and other provisions had demonstrated “ingratitude” by voting against his party.
His initial statement had been swiftly disowned by his own party leadership, including General Secretary M.A. Baby, a move Mani now fully acknowledges and accepts. Despite this retraction, Mani also made it clear that he maintains his personal view that he cannot, under any circumstances, agree with the verdict delivered by the people of Kerala in the elections. He further added that he does not give importance to the criticism leveled by the CPI regarding this issue.