Kerala CM condemns misogynistic UDF remarks on LDF candidate

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan condemned remarks made by a United Democratic Front leader against sitting Kayamkulam legislator U. Prathibha as misogynistic and insulting, highlighting a broader erosion of political decorum ahead of the state's April 9 assembly elections. The incident unfolded on March 24 during a campaign event in Kayamkulam, where A. Irshad, an Indian Union Muslim League leader and local UDF convener, accused Prathibha, the Left Democratic Front candidate seeking a third term, of relying on her eloquence and physical appearance to secure votes rather than substantive work for constituents.

Irshad's comments, delivered while urging support for UDF candidate M. Liju, also alleged that Prathibha had failed to utilize MLA funds effectively and undertaken no development initiatives over the past decade. He claimed she was attempting to "sell" her skills and beauty for another victory, a statement that drew immediate backlash from LDF leaders. Vijayan, addressing the issue in statements and a social media post, described the remarks as character assassination stemming from the opposition's inability to counter Prathibha's record of public engagement and...