DCC chief makes sexist remark against LDF woman MLA; apologises

Kozhikode/Thiruvananthapuram, Mar 20: A district chief of Kerala Congress today courted controversy when he made an 'unsavoury' remark against an LDF woman MLA in connection with recent violent incidents in Assembly, but tendered an apology after the state party leadership condemned it and warned of disciplinary action.

District PCC President K C Abu, while talking about the incident in the state assembly on March 13 during a press conference, said E S Bijimol "seem to be enjoying when Labour Minister Shibu Baby John blocked her way during the commotion in the House".

After the remark created a controversy, KPCC President V M Sudheeran told reporters that disciplinary action would be initiated against Abu if he did not tender an unconditional apology by withdrawing the statement against Bijimol.

Terming the remark as 'unfortunate', he said Congress totally disagrees with it. Abu's comment came as the LDF has been demanding action against UDF MLAs for allegedly outraging the modesty of its women MLAs during the unprecedented violence in the Assembly.

The LDF MLAs have alleged they were attacked by UDF members, including John in the Assembly. In an instant compliance, Abu in a statement in Kozhikode said he was withdrawing his remark and tendered an apology.

With regard to the 'stalemate' in the Assembly, Sudheeran wanted Speaker K Sakthan to hold talks with leaders of both ruling Congress-led UDF and CPI-M headed LDF to resolve the issue.

"Everybody knew what happened in the Assembly on that day," he said.

Asked about the statement of Finance Minister K M Mani, facing charges of bribery in the bar scam, that he would not resign even if a charge sheet was filed against him, Sudheeran said the question was not relevant now.

"Investigation in the case was going on and the charge sheet may or may not be filed," he said. "No need to react to such a a situation now," he added.

Sudheeran also said instructions have been given to KPCC spokesperson not to deviate from the party line while attending television channel debates and press meets. Personal opinions should not be aired as that of party during debates, he said.

There was no gag on spokesperson to speak to media but, they should adhere to the line of party, he added. "They should be cautious while giving statements."

The guidelines apparently came in the wake of certain remarks against Mani by spokespersons led to a row recently.

PTI