Kerala Assembly polls 2026: IUML leader’s misogynistic remark triggers row in Kayamkulam

As the political battle in Kayamkulam heats up, the United Democratic Front (UDF) was drawn into a controversy after one of its leaders was accused of making a misogynistic remark against Left Democratic Front candidate U. Prathibha.

The incident occurred during a UDF convention at Kayamkulam on Wednesday evening, when Irshad Chakkalassery, UDF mandalam convener and a leader of the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML), allegedly said that Ms. Prathibha was relying on her oratorical skills and physical appearance to win over voters. The remark triggered protests from different quarters, following which Mr. Chakkalassery tendered an unconditional apology.

Reacting strongly, Ms. Prathibha announced that she would initiate legal proceedings against the UDF leader. She asserted that she had never indulged in personal attacks against her opponents and said such remarks were unacceptable.

“No one should speak about others in such a manner. What is even more disturbing is his body language, and the fact that no one present at the venue responded to his remarks. I intend to initiate strong legal action in this matter,” she said.

Mr. Chakkalassery, however, claimed that his words were being taken out of context and misinterpreted. He also expressed regret if anyone was hurt by his remarks.

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan also condemned the incident. “Using abusive language against a woman in public life reflects a serious decline in political culture. Unable to counter the development initiatives and public engagement led by comrade Prathibha on political grounds, the right wing appears to be resorting to personal attacks instead,” he said in a social media post.

He said the repeated claims of “we stand with her” by the Leader of the Opposition and UDF leaders stood in stark contrast to their silence on such misogynistic conduct, exposing what he described as hypocrisy.

M. Liju, UDF candidate in Kayamkulam, also expressed his disagreement with the remarks made by the IUML leader.

The State committee of the IUML later informed that Mr. Chakkalassery was suspended from the party’s primary membership, pending an inquiry.