Amid Mollywood MeToo, Kerala Congress faces its own 'casting couch'
The Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) or the Kerala unit of the Congress expelled senior leader Simi Rosebell John from its primary membership on Sunday. The move comes after John made serious allegations of exploitation against women members within the party, likening it to the "casting couch" in the film industry. She also accused various leaders, including Opposition leader VD Satheesan, of sexual harassment. Here are more details.
John claimed women members endured exploitative behaviors in party
John, a Congress leader from Ernakulam, claimed on Saturday that several women within the party had reportedly faced exploitation. She mentioned that female members are often required to endure exploitative behaviors to gain opportunities within the party. According to her, women could only rise to important positions by "impressing" male leaders within the party, frequently eclipsing the requirement for skill and experience.
John's allegations are baseless, said KPCC president
John further accused Satheesan, claiming she wasn't in Satheesan's "good books," which was why the KPCC had passed her over for important positions. She also highlighted the case of Jebi Mather, MP, and said that some members of Congress are getting unfair honors. KPCC President and Member of Lok Sabha K Sudhakaran said that the allegations made by John are baseless: "Simi made bad remarks against the leaders. Her allegations are baseless...KPCC will investigate the complaint filed by Mahila Congress."
John hits back at Congress LoP Satheesan
In response to the action against her, John held a press conference in Kochi, lashing out at Congress LoP Satheesan. She said, "Satheesan said that women who have dignity and pride cannot work in this party. A person who struggled for the party for some time was expelled." "They tried to stomp upon a helpless like me...VD Satheesan is not scared of anyone...I feel now scared to walk on the road, anything can happen to me."
Controversy surfaced amid sexual harassment claims in Kerala film industry
The controversy has surfaced at the same time when similar claims of sexual harassment are plaguing the Kerala film industry. The Hema Committee report, which was only partially released on August 19, revealed the inner workings of the Malayalam cinema industry and the exploitation of women in the sector. Actor Minu Maneer has accused several actors, including a two-time CPI(M) MLA, of sexual misconduct.
