Kerala Minister lashes at IAS officer, protests mount

A Kerala minister has accused an IAS officer of allegedly conspiring with the RSS for pulling down a cross erected in an "encroached" land in Munnar, saying the act was akin to Babri Masjid demolition.
The remarks by CPI(M) leader and power minister M M Mani against sub-collector of Devikulam Sriram Venkataraman at a series of public functions in Idukki district last night drew widespread condemnation, including from the ruling coalition partner, CPI.
Mani, who is known for making controversial remarks, also said the official should be "banished to Oolampara", a mental asylum here.
"The Sub-Collector who is trying to remove them (religious signs) should be sent to a Oolampara," he said.

"The cross at Pappathichola was brought down as part of an RSS conspiracy and the act was similar to Babri Masjid demolition," he said.
While the CPI(M) has maintained a studied silence on the remarks, the CPI, a partner in the ruling coalition and opposition parties have come out strongly against Mani.

Senior CPI leader Panniyan Ravidran said those who speak indecently, their place in history will be in the dustbin.
While opposition leader Ramesh Chennithala said it was upto the Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan to decide if Mani should continue in the Cabinet.
Mani has violated the oath of office and this cannot be accepted, he said at Palakkad.

The remarks against the officer were indecent, he said.
Reacting to Mani's rant, BJP state president Kummanam Rajasekharan said efforts were on to isolate those who stand for truth and justice.