News Analysis: Kanthapuram’s directive on curbs on women puts CPI(M) ties under strain
A Samastha circular asking mahals and madrasas to prevent women from sharing stage or public space with unrelated men during religious celebrations draw criticism from CPI(M) leaders and women’s organisations
Bharatiya Janata Party leader V. Muraleedharan has criticized United Democratic Front (UDF) officials for their inaction regarding Samastha leader Kanthapuram A.P. Aboobacker Musliar's controversial statements about women. In a Facebook post, Mr. Muraleedharan accused several UDF Ministers, including K.M. Shaji and N. Samsuddeen, of supporting Mr. Aboobacker's position through their silence.
He also accused Cultural Affairs Minister P.C. Vishnunadh of avoiding the issue and refusing to take a clear stance on Aboobacker's remarks. The BJP leader's comments come amid a political controversy sparked by the cleric's recent remarks, which questioned the involvement of women in public life and suggested that their presence could lead to negative consequences.
Mr. Muraleedharan questioned why the Congress leadership has not demanded an apology from Mr. Aboobacker and challenged Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan and senior Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala to take legal action against the cleric for his "anti-women" stance. The BJP leader also criticized the Communist Party of India (Marxist) for its earlier support of women's rights in Sabarimala, yet its silence on Mr. Aboobacker's statement.
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