Remark on woman rival: CM offers explanation

Looks like chief minister VS Achuthanandan, 87, is trying to make amends after his remark on Tuesday about political rival from Malampuzha constituency Lathika Subhash, 45, of Congress stirred up a controversy. Ramesh Babu reports.

Looks like chief minister VS Achuthanandan, 87, is trying to make amends after his remark on Tuesday about political rival from Malampuzha constituency Lathika Subhash (45) of Congress stirred up a controversy.

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“She (Lathika Subhash) is famous for many things. I don’t have to tell you. You can make out,” the CPI(M) leader told reporters in Palakkad.

As the issue snowballed into a controversy, Achuthanandan proffered an explanation on Wednesday. “Lathika is Kottayam panchayat president and PCC member. Holding such positions means she is famous. I only meant that. I always respected women and fought for them,” he said in Kozhikode.

Meanwhile, Subhash has filed a complaint with the Palakkad judicial magistrate. State chief electoral officer Nalini Netto has also sought a report from the Palakkad district collector.

Women’s bodies have demanded an apology from the chief minister. “The party will petition the National Commission for Women,” said MM Hassan, Congress spokesman.

“I am sad. He’s even older than my father. I never expected such a statement from him,” said Subhash. “Instead of pursing issue-based politics, the CM is harping on cheap personal comments…It is an insult to entire womanhood,” she added.

Congress-led UDF is planning to make it a big poll issue of the faux pas. “It is sad he’s forgotten his position and age. He shouldn’t have made such a comment,” defence minister AK Antony, UDF lead campaigner, said in Kochi.