Left leader's remark over Dalit woman candidate triggers row

Thiruvananthapuram: An alleged objectionable remark by LDF convener A Vijayaraghavan against a Dalit woman candidate of the opposition UDF has landed the left ruling front in a fix in Kerala, as the April 23 Lok Sabha pollsare round the corner.

The senior leader had allegedly made the controversial remarks in connection with the recent meeting of Ramya Haridas, a Congress leader contesting from Alathur constituency, and IUML leader P K Kunhalikutty.

Vijayaraghavan's remarks, while speaking at party's poll convention at Malappuram district Monday, has triggered widespread outrage on social media.

Senior Congress leaders including former Chief Minister Oommen Chandhy, KPCC president Mullappally Ramachandran and Opposition leader Ramesh Chennithala came out against the alleged anti-woman statement and demanded an apology.

While Chennithala and Chandy said the remarks amounted to outrage the modesty of women and insulting the Dalit community, Ramachandran said the CPI(M)-led LDF government should register a case against Vijayaraghavan.

Expressing pain over the alleged remarks, Ramya, contesting against CPI(M)'s two-time sitting MP, P K Biju, said she would lodge a complaint with the police against the left leader in this regard.

"It has caused mental agony for me.... he should have thought that I also have a family...

Characterassassination cannot be accepted," she told reporters in Alathur, a reserved constituency in north Kerala.

The LDF leader had made the statement at a time when the party was speaking about renaissance and progressive values and Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan claims to ensure women security, she alleged.

However, Vijayaraghavan Tuesday clarified that his remarks against Ramya were distorted by the media and he did not intend to insult or hurt anyone.

"I have never intended to tarnish the image of anyone. It was a political speech... Ramya is like a sister to me.. I am a person who respects women," he told reporters when his reaction was sought.

Thirty two year-old Ramya would take on Biju, who is aiming for a hat-trick win from Alathur.

If Ramya wins, she would be the first Dalit woman MP from the state.