"Women are only for sleeping with husbands”: CPI(M) leader’s victory speech sparks outrage
Malappuram: A CPI(M) regional leader in Malappuram district has triggered a major controversy following a misogynistic remark made during his victory speech after winning a panchayat ward by a narrow margin.
Saed Ali Majeed, who won the Thennela Panchayat ward by 47 votes, is facing widespread criticism for comments suggesting that women are meant only to “sleep with their husbands” and should not be brought into public view for electoral purposes. The remarks were made while he was addressing supporters after the declaration of results.
According to reports, Majeed stated that women who come into families through marriage are not meant to be presented before strangers for the sake of securing votes, capturing wards, or defeating political opponents. He further implied that women should remain confined to domestic roles rather than participate in political discourse.
During the same speech, Majeed also took aim at the Women’s League, the women’s wing of the Indian Union Muslim League. Referring to a recent video released by the organisation’s president, he said that anyone entering politics must be prepared to face criticism, adding that those who lack such resilience should remain at home as housewives.
Majeed contested the election as an independent after reportedly resigning as CPI(M) local secretary. He secured 666 votes, defeating his IUML rival by a slim margin.
The remarks have drawn sharp reactions across political and social circles, with critics calling them deeply sexist and reflective of entrenched patriarchal attitudes. Demands have been raised for the CPI(M) leadership to take a clear stand on the issue.
As of now, there has been no official response from the CPI(M) district or state leadership regarding Majeed’s statements.
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Kerala CM Vijayan flags ‘The Kerala Story 2’ as ‘threat to secularism’
Thiruvananthapuram (PTI): Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Wednesday expressed concern over the upcoming release of the second part of 'The Kerala Story', claiming that its first installment was made with the "intent to spread hatred against the state and undermine its secular tradition."
Vijayan, in a statement issued by his office, also questioned how "poisonous works produced to spread division and hatred in society" were allowed to be screened, while a film like 'Beef' was barred from a film festival.
He further said that Sangh Parivar centres had taken over and spread the false narrative conveyed by 'The Kerala Story'.
“They are spreading false propaganda by portraying even marriages conducted with mutual consent as examples of communalism and forced religious conversion,” the CM said.
He contended that such forces view Kerala—with no communal riots and a tradition of mutual respect among communities—with hostility, and termed them “enemies of the state” attempting to destroy the peace and tranquility of the region.
“We must collectively reject attempts to portray Kerala, a land of religious harmony that stands at the forefront of sustainable development and is a model in maintaining law and order, as a center of terrorism,” Vijayan said.
“It is the responsibility of each of us to ensure that Kerala’s secular foundation is not undermined by false propaganda and to reject it by upholding the values of secularism and brotherhood,” he added.
Directed by Kamakhya Narayan Singh, the teaser of 'Kerala Story 2: Goes Beyond', was released recently.
The first film, 'The Kerala Story', won awards for Best Direction and Best Cinematography at the 71st National Film Awards.
