Achuthanandan faces flak for remarks on ex-CPI-M woman leader

Kerala's Leader of Opposition V.S. Achuthanandan Sunday landed in controversy with politicians from across the spectrum condemning his remarks against a former CPI-M leader Sindhu Joy, whom he equated to that of a "woman of loose character".

Speaking to reporters here, the veteran Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) leader asked where was Joy was now.

"She was the candidate (of CPI-M) against K.V.Thomas (now union food minister) in the 2009 Lok Sabha polls. Then she campaigned for the Congress in the 2011 assembly polls. Today the situation is that she has been thrown out by the Congress after using her, just like a woman who has a loose character is dumped after a few years," said Achuthanandan.

An active leader in student politics, Joy was had joined Congress ahead of the 2011 Lok Sabha polls.

Achuthanandan's remarks drew criticism from all quarters.

CPI-M Rajya Sabha member T.N.Seema said that no political leader should use such words against women.

"It was not proper for Achuthanandan to make a statement like this," said Seema who also heads the party's women’s organisation.
Lathika Subhash, who contested on a Congress ticket against Achuthanandan in the 2011 assembly polls, said it is time that Achuthanandan stops abusing women.

"All of you know I also came under attack from him during our election campaign and I filed a case against him. But I decided to withdraw the case against him after numerous people including politicians and people of social repute asked me to pardon him and withdraw the case, which I did," she said.

"We all wish to know if Brinda Karat (the lone woman CPI-M politburo member) subscribes to what Achuthanandan said," added Subhash.

State Congress president Ramesh Chennithala termed it "most unfortunate" that a leader of the stature of Achuthanandan has made such a statement and demanded an apology.

"He should withdraw his curt remark and apologise. We are not a party like CPI-M. Sindhu Joy will be properly looked after by the Congress party and none need to worry about her," he said.

With the Piravom by-election fast approaching (March 17), this issue is expected to make headlines again as the Youth Congress president P.C.Vishnunadh, also a Congress legislator, has announced that if Achuthanandan fails to apologise for this remark, he would have to face strong protests.