'They think that they can gain votes by insulting women'; Chief Minister comes out in support of U Prathibha

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has come down heavily on Kayamkulam UDF convener and Muslim League leader Irshad Chakkalassery for making a defamatory and misogynistic statement against U Prathibha, the LDF candidate in Kayamkulam constituency. He said that using degrading words to attack the physical appearance and personality of a public representative, instead of discussing development issues, reflects political degradation.

"The UDF resorts to such heinous personal attacks when they are unable to politically challenge a public worker based on her work. This is not just an attack on Prathibha, but also a challenge against all women participating in public life. The Opposition Leader and other UDF leaders, who often claim to support women, are exposing their double standards by remaining silent on misogynistic remarks made by leaders within their own alliance," the CM said.

"The UDF is unable to politically counter the development work and public interventions carried out by U Prathibha in Kayamkulam over the past five years. This has led them to believe that they can gain votes by insulting women. The society will reject such attitudes that demean women and fail to recognise them as individuals with dignity. The people will stand with the Left, which upholds the dignity of women," he added.

Meanwhile, UDF leader Irshad Chakkalassery expressed regret over the controversial remarks against U Prathibha. He clarified that he did not intend to make any anti-women statements and that his comments should not be interpreted in that manner. He also said that he regrets if his remarks caused hurt to anyone.