A red-faced CPM has reprimanded an MLA and Kochi corporation Deputy Mayor after they inaugurated two retail outlets of the Reliance group in Kochi.
The Marxist party is protesting the entry of multinationals and corporate houses in the retail sector and much to its embarrassment party MLA, C M Dinesh Mani and Deputy Mayor of Kochi Corporation, C K Manisankar, inaugurated two outlets recently at Kochi.
Clarifying his stand, Dinesh Mani said he had inaugurated the outlet, falling in his constituency, without realising that it was that of the corporate house.
According to Mani,a friend of his had suggested to him that he inaugurate the outlet and that it was not a pre-determined programme.
Manisankar also profusely apologised to the party for inaugurating a vegetable stall of the Reliance group and blamed his friends for the ‘faux pas.’
The CPM’s Ernakulam district secretariat reprimanded the two yesterday for inaugurating the outlets and has warned them for going against party’s policies. The matter has been referred to the party’s state committee since Dinesh Mani is a state committee member, party sources said.
Traders in Kerala had on Wednesday observed a state-wide shutdown against the entry of multinationals and big corporate houses in the retail sector.
