Communist Party of India (Marxist) [CPI(M)] veteran and former Electricity Minister M.M. Mani has criticised the Forest and Police departments for ‘not abiding by law,’ adding that his party will take the law into its own hands if necessary.Inaugurating a protest march organised by the Kerala Karshaka Sangam, a CPI(M) feeder organisation at the Nagarampara Forest Range Office at Kanjikuzhi, here, on Thursday, Mr. Mani alleged that the Forest department is encroaching on revenue land in Kanjikuzhi. In his speech, the veteran leader openly issued threats to the officials, stating that the party is not afraid of them.“If the forest officials or the police attempt to evict people from these areas, we will retaliate. Do not try to encroach upon human settlements, or you will face the consequences,” Mr. Mani said.Mr. Mani also also highly critical of Forest Minister Shibu Baby John. “Mr. John got the ministerial portfolio by accident and does not know how to manage the department effectively. His father, Baby John, had a great reputation,” Mr. Mani said. Responding to the remarks, the Forest Minister stated that Mr. Mani’s comments did not deserve a reply.On power crisisThe former Electricity Minister further criticised the State government over the ongoing power crisis. While acknowledging that rainfall shortage is a reality, Mr. Mani argued that it should not be an excuse for load-shedding.“The government can purchase power from outside sources to overcome this crisis. During our tenure, we followed this exact method and successfully avoided power cuts. Currently, the State produces only 40% of its total electricity requirement, while the remaining power must be purchased from other States,” Mr. Mani added. Published - July 16, 2026 08:13 pm IST