Published Mar 26, 2026 | 12:21 AM ⚊ Updated Mar 26, 2026 | 12:21 AM
LDF Kayamkulam candidate U Pratibha. (Supplied)
Synopsis: The remark in question—allegedly referring to Pratibha as “selling her oratory skills and physical beauty”—has triggered sharp reactions from the Left, which has accused the UDF of lowering the tone of the campaign.
The United Democratic Front (UDF) has taken swift action against Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) leader A. Irshad Chakkalassery for making a misogynistic remark against LDF Kayamkulam candidate U Pratibha during the election campaign.
Irshad has been removed from the post of Kayamkulam constituency chairman, with Muslim League district general secretary H. Basheer Kutty appointed as his replacement.
The move follows internal assessment within the front that the remarks had caused significant damage to the UDF’s political image and could not be addressed by a mere expression of regret.
The Muslim League has also initiated disciplinary proceedings, suspending Irshad from the party’s primary membership pending an inquiry.
Earlier, UDF candidate M. Liju had publicly distanced himself from the controversy, condemning the remarks and stating that personal attacks have no place in election campaigning.
He expressed regret over the incident and said such statements are unacceptable.
Sources indicated that both the UDF and the League leadership viewed the issue seriously, stressing that derogatory comments against women cannot be tolerated within the front.
The remarks were made by UDF district convener A. Irshad during a convention held as part of the campaign for UDF candidate M. Liju.
A video of the speech, now widely circulating on social media, shows Irshad targeting Pratibha over the cannabis case involving her son and alleging misuse of political influence.
In the video, Irshad goes on to question Pratibha’s effectiveness as a public representative and makes personal remarks, which critics have described as offensive and inappropriate and outraging the modesty of women.
The remark in question—allegedly referring to Pratibha as “selling her oratory skills and physical beauty”—has triggered sharp reactions from the Left, which has accused the UDF of lowering the tone of the campaign.
The comments have triggered sharp reactions, with LDF leaders accusing the UDF of lowering the level of political discourse.
LDF candidate and sitting MLA U Pratibha turned visibly emotional on Wednesday as a controversy over an alleged misogynistic remark by a Muslim League leader spilled into the election campaign in Kayamkulam.
Speaking at a press meet alongside LDF leaders, Pratibha said the comment was not just a personal attack but part of a larger attempt to push women out of public life.
Her voice faltered at points as she spoke. “These are the kind of forces that try to discourage girls, researchers, lawyers—any woman trying to step into politics or the public sphere,” she said. “But women will survive all this. We have always done so,” she added.
LDF leaders argued that instead of engaging on development in the constituency, the opposition had chosen to resort to personal attacks. They described the comment as deeply misogynistic, especially given Pratibha’s political journey from a panchayat member to a three-term MLA aspirant.
Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan termed the remark an example of “collapse in political culture,” adding that such attacks arise when political opponents are unable to counter development and governance. “This is not just about one individual,” he said in a statement.
“It is an insult to all women in public life. It exposes a deeply regressive attitude that refuses to see women as individuals with agency.”
With Kayamkulam seen as a Left stronghold and Pratibha seeking a third consecutive term, the episode adds an uncomfortable layer to the contest, where Congress candidate M. Liju is trying to make inroads.
(Edited by Sumavarsha, with inputs from Dileep V Kumar)
