Kochi, 08 Oct (H.S.): Senior CPI(M) leader P.K. Sreemathi on Thursday asserted that her party had never protected those responsible for abusing women and would continue to take firm action against anyone found guilty of misconduct.

Speaking to reporters, Sreemathi said the party had consistently acted on complaints of abuse and had not allowed offenders to remain within its ranks.

Her remarks came after renewed online attacks prompted her to publish a Facebook post on Wednesday. She said posts featuring photographs of her and fellow CPI(M) leader A.K. Balan included questions about whether they would travel to Palakkad to “measure the intensity” of alleged misconduct.

“My answer is that my party has never tolerated those who abuse women. Strong action has been taken against them. If similar incidents occur again, such people will not remain in the party,” she said.

Sreemathi also rejected suggestions that she had previously described an instance of alleged abuse as being of “low intensity”.

Referring to a recent question raised by Congress leader Deepthi Mary Varghese, she challenged anyone to produce evidence that she had made such a statement at any time or to any person.

She said attributing words she had never spoken to her was an attempt to humiliate her and was unacceptable.

Responding to questions about reports in the media, Sreemathi said she was not currently attending party committee meetings in Kerala and was often away from the state.

She had not approached the party secretary for an explanation about those reports, she added. If there was information to be conveyed, the secretary would communicate it to her directly or place it before the appropriate committee.

Sreemathi reiterated that the CPI(M)’s position was to act against wrongdoing. She maintained that the party’s response to complaints had been firm and that it would continue to uphold that approach.

---------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman