Controversy erupts in Kayamkulam over remarks by UDF leader E. Irshad
Thiruvananthapuram: Muslim League leader E. Irshad’s misogynistic remarks against U. Pratibha, the LDF candidate from Kayamkulam, have put the UDF in a difficult position.
Speaking at an election meeting, Irshad, who is also the local UDF convener, accused her of seeking votes by showcasing her speaking skills and physical appearance, even hinting at her personal and family background.
The LDF leadership strongly condemned these remarks, and Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan criticized her in a Facebook post, saying that attacking a female public representative with inappropriate language shows a failure to politically counter her development work and public engagement.
Pratibha, a two-time MLA from Kayamkulam, is contesting this time against Congress candidate M. Liju. She has announced plans to file a formal complaint with the EC and take legal action against the Muslim League leader for his remarks. Calling it shocking, he said the UDF leader had targeted all women in public life, exposing his anti-women stance.
Congress candidate M. Liju also strongly condemned the comments made against his opponent. He said, “I strongly condemn the UDF leader’s remarks. The comments were wrong. We cannot justify anti-women comments.”
Meanwhile, Irshad claimed his comments were taken out of context, explaining that he was referring to her poor performance as an MLA and not making any personal attacks, and apologized if his comments offended anyone.
