Congress leader, who alleged 'casting couch' in Kerala unit, expelled
What's the story
The Congress has expelled Simi Rosebell John from the party after she alleged that only those close to the leadership get opportunities in it. John had also compared the situation in the Kerala Congress with that of "casting couch" in the film industry. She claimed that women leaders need sponsorship from party leaders to rise in ranks and that women with self-respect cannot work there.
Party's reaction
Congress responds to John's allegations
The Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) stated that disciplinary action was taken against John due to a serious breach of discipline. The KPCC also accused John of "mentally harassing" and "defaming" numerous women leaders and workers in the Congress, allegedly in collaboration with political adversaries. Women leaders from KPCC's political affairs committee, female office-bearers of the PCC, and the Mahila Congress chief had collectively requested action against John.
Aftermath
John's expulsion and her response
Following these complaints, action was taken against John by Congress's Kerala unit president K Sudhakaran. In response to her expulsion, John criticized the Congress stating, "In this party, women with self-respect won't be able to work... I was also expelled from the party...the only mistake I made was I became the voice of the women here." She challenged allegations of collusion with CPI(M), demanding proof.
Accusations detailed
John alleges denial of opportunities, names involved
John further alleged that she was denied certain opportunities in the party due to objections from leaders like VD Satheesan and Hibi Eden. She also claimed that the state President of Mahila Congress, Lathika Subash, was expelled for "sharing her pain." Additionally, she accused certain members of receiving undue honors in Congress and questioned how many women in the KPCC face similar issues.