Kerala CPM leader Sayed Ali Majeed has triggered a major political controversy after his misogynistic remarks at a Malappuram victory event. The gathering was organised to celebrate his narrow 47-vote victory in last week’s municipal election.
During his speech, which was attended by hundreds of Left workers including women, Majeed launched an attack on the Indian Union Muslim League for fielding women candidates in the local body polls. Accusing the party of exploiting women for electoral gains, he said, “They displayed women to win votes…”, drawing applause from sections of the audience.
Misogynistic remarks spark outrage within and outside CPM
The controversy deepened when Majeed went on to make comments about women within his own party as well. He stated, “…we also have married women at home… but not to show them off to win votes. Let them sit at home… marry women to sleep with and make kids.”
He further added, “That is why families traditionally verify lineage and background while arranging marriages…”
The remarks have since drawn widespread criticism on social media.
Electoral setbacks compound trouble for ruling Left front
The controversy comes at a politically sensitive moment for the CPM-led Left Democratic Front (LDF), as the recent municipal election results have been widely viewed as a setback ahead of next year’s Assembly polls.
The Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) emerged strong, winning four of the state’s six municipal corporations. The UDF retained Kannur and wrested control of Kochi and Kollam from the LDF, marking significant gains in urban centres.
Adding to the LDF’s troubles, the Bharatiya Janata Party-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) made a historic breakthrough by winning control of Thiruvananthapuram municipal corporation. The state capital has traditionally been a Left stronghold and is represented in the Lok Sabha by Congress MP Shashi Tharoor.