Kochi, 26 March (H.S.):The Mahila Association has filed a complaint with the Election Commission of India seeking action against Alappuzha district UDF convenor A.E. Irshad over alleged sexist and defamatory remarks made against Kayamkulam LDF candidate U. Prathibha.

The complaint, submitted by senior leader P.K. Sreemathi, includes video evidence of the remarks. It states that Irshad’s comments were derogatory in nature, intended to insult the candidate and undermine her dignity. The Association has termed the statements “highly objectionable” and a clear violation of the Model Code of Conduct in force during the election period.

In its petition, the organisation has urged the Election Commission to bar Irshad from participating in election campaigning and to initiate legal proceedings against him. It also emphasised that such remarks not only target an individual candidate but also set a dangerous precedent in public political discourse.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan strongly condemned the remarks, calling them reflective of a “collapse in political culture.” He said attacking a woman public representative with abusive language was unacceptable and indicative of an inability to counter her politically.

“The right-wing is resorting to character assassination because it cannot challenge Prathibha’s development work and public engagement,” the Chief Minister said. He also criticised what he described as the “hypocrisy” of opposition leaders who claim to support women but remain silent or inconsistent when confronted with such incidents.

Vijayan further stated that the issue goes beyond a single individual and represents an insult to all women in public life. He asserted that reducing women to targets of ridicule reflects a regressive political mindset.

Reaffirming the Left’s stance, the Chief Minister said Kerala has consistently stood for the dignity, rights, and equality of women, and rejected the notion that elections can be won through personal attacks instead of meaningful debate on development and governance.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman