Thiruvananthapuram: Under attack from the UDF over its convener A. Vijayaraghavan’s controversial remarks against Alathur candidate Ramya Haridas, the LDF has started damage control.
Though publicly the leadership is trying to downplay the remarks, privately, Left leaders admit that such sexist remarks could be counterproductive on the eve of a crucial election. Ramya belongs to Scheduled Caste community and her complaint against Vijayaraghavan could invite provisions of SC/ST Prevention of Atrocities Act which will embarrass the LDF further.
With Ramya registering a complaint with the police and opposition leader Ramesh Chennithala submitting a petition to State Police Chief, the UDF is firm on taking the issue to its logical conclusion. The LDF convenor has also come under severe criticism in social media for his sexist remarks.
Addressing the LDF poll convention in Ponnani in Malappuram on Monday, Vijayaraghavan had remarked; “the UDF candidate from Alathur had visited P. K. Kunhalikutty after the announcement of her candidature. I don’t know what will happen to her now.”
He was indirectly referring to the infamous ice cream parlour sex racket case in the 1990 in which IUML leader P. K. Kunhalikutty’s name had figured. He was later cleared of by courts.
Ramya said she was pained by LDF convenor’s remarks. “This sort of statement was not expected from the leader of a party which boasts of upholding renaissance values. I have parents and family. The LDF leader should have thought about them,” she said.
Viajayraghavan, however, said his remarks were not meant to cause agony to any candidate. “The media twisted my remarks and sought to give a different colour. I respect women who are in public life. More women should enter political sphere. My wife is also in public life. I would never disrespect women.”
LDF candidate and Ramya’s rival in Alathur, P. K. Biju, said Congress was trying to divert attention from political issues. On remarks against Ramya, he said he had nothing more to say other than what had been explained by Vijayaraghavan.
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