Derogatory remarks against U Prathibha; EC seeks emergency report from collector

ALAPPUZHA: The election commission has intervened on the misogynistic remarks of Muslim League leader Irshad Chakkalassery against LDF candidate U Prathibha in Kayamkulam constituency. The commission has sought an emergency report from Alappuzha collector. The chief election officer has directed to inform after taking steps before noon.

Irshad’s remark was that she is facing election with her eloquence and physical beauty without doing any development work. He made the misogynistic remarks at the UDF convention held. AICC general secretary K C Venugopal, DCC President B Babuprasad, and UDF candidate M Liju were present on the dais when he made the remarks.

Irshad apologized when the issue was widely discussed in channels. However, Pratibha said in a press conference that the issue would not end with a mere apology. Following a huge protest, Irshad was removed from the post of mandalam committee chairman. The district leadership then informed that Irshad had been suspended from the primary membership of the League.

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan condemned Irshad's remarks in a Facebook post. UDF candidate M Liju said that he condemned the remarks against Pratibha. The All India Democratic Women's Association had also filed a complaint with the central election commission against the remarks.