Alappuzha, 25 March (H.S.): Kayamkulam MLA U. Prathibha has announced that she will initiate legal action against Muslim League leader A. Irshad over alleged sexist and defamatory remarks made during a United Democratic Front (UDF) election convention. The controversy has sparked widespread criticism and renewed debate over the treatment of women in public life.

Addressing a press conference, Prathibha said she would file formal complaints with both the police and the Election Commission, stating that the remarks were deeply offensive and caused significant mental distress. She made it clear that Irshad’s subsequent expression of regret was unacceptable, emphasizing that such statements cannot be brushed aside with an apology.

The MLA strongly condemned the remarks as an attack not only on her personally but also on her family, calling them a violation of political decency. “Attempts to discourage women from entering public life through misogynistic comments will not succeed,” she said, adding that Kerala is witnessing an increasing number of women stepping into leadership roles.

Visibly emotional during the interaction with the media, Prathibha asserted that her political strength lies in the support of the people of Kayamkulam. She alleged that such personal attacks stem from political frustration and an inability to counter the developmental initiatives carried out by the Left Democratic Front (LDF).

She also expressed shock that none of the senior leaders or women present at the event intervened to correct Irshad at the time of the remarks. The incident, she said, reflects a worrying silence within political platforms when women are targeted.

The controversial remarks were made by A. Irshad, the UDF convenor in Kayamkulam, during a campaign event attended by senior Congress leader K.C. Venugopal. While Irshad has since expressed regret, the issue continues to generate political ripples across the state.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman