Kannur, 01 September (H.S.): CPM leader P. Jayarajan has criticised Kanthapuram A.P. Aboobacker Musliyar over his controversial statement that women entering public life could lead to serious social consequences.

In a Facebook post, Jayarajan questioned the logic behind opposing women's presence on public platforms while allowing them to study, progress and participate actively in programmes organised by educational institutions.

He said that if women could appear confidently on the stages of educational institutions and pursue opportunities for advancement, there was no justification for objecting to their participation in public events and social activities.

Jayarajan stressed that protecting women's freedom, equality and participation in public life was a fundamental responsibility of a democratic society. Women, he said, must be given equal space and opportunities to contribute to social, political, educational and cultural spheres without facing restrictions rooted in outdated ideas.

He also drew attention to what he described as a contradiction between the practices followed by institutions associated with religious leaders and the views expressed by them on public platforms. Those advocating restrictions on women should examine whether their public statements were consistent with the approach adopted in their own institutions, he said.

Restrictions that could not be implemented in practice and did not reflect contemporary social realities would serve little purpose, Jayarajan observed. Any discussion on women's role in society must take into account the significant progress they have achieved in education, employment and public service.

His intervention came amid criticism of Kanthapuram's remarks from political and social circles. Jayarajan's post sought to frame the issue as one concerning democratic rights and gender equality rather than merely a dispute over individual opinions.

He maintained that society must encourage women's active participation in every sphere and resist attempts to limit their visibility or freedom in public life.

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

Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman