IDUKKI: Idukki former MP Joyce George tendered an apology for his derogatory remarks against Congress leader Rahul Gandhi. It is wrong from my side for making the statement. I apologize if the remarks have pained anyone, he said. He tendered the apology at an election public meet attended by CPM politburo member Vrinda Karat at Anakkara in Kumili.
Former MP Joyce George courted a controversy by making alleged derogatory remarks against Rahul in connection with the latter's interaction with students of a women's college in Kochi last week. Joyce said Rahul would visit only women's colleges and the girls should be cautious while dealing with him. Girls should never bend down in front of him. He is an unmarried trouble maker, he alleged. Minister M M Mani was also present in the dais at that time.
When his statement courted controversy, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said the LDF’s stand is not to personally attack Rahul. We will oppose him politically and not personally, he said. Widespread protests are staged against Joyce for his statement. The congress said they will lodge a complaint with the election commission and will move forward with the legal steps.
Former chief minister Oommen Chandy said the statement is unfortunate and painful. There should not have been such a reference from Kerala and added that Joyce has insulted womanhood. Joyce apologized at a time when the youth congress decided to stage a march to his house. Mahila Congress staged a Secretariat march demanding his arrest for his anti-woman remarks.