Former Kerala MP's Remark of Alerting Women to be Wary of Rahul Gandhi Sparks Row

IDUKKI: Former Kerala MP Idukki MP Joyce George found himself at the centre of controversy, following his recent remark against Congress leader Rahul Gandhi while addressing an election campaign at Udumbanchola on Monday.

The development comes after Rahul Gandhi's recent interaction with the students of St Teresa's College in Ernakulam, an all-girls college.

While mocking the Congress leader, George cautioned the girls to refrain from bending or performing physical exercises as Gandhi is a bachelor.

"Rahul will visit only women's colleges. He will teach girls to flex their muscles," George was quoted while adding that the Congress leader is an 'unmarried troublemaker'.

Congress MP from Wayanad, Gandhi who was in poll-bound Kerala for campaigning, demonstrated some moves of Aikido, a form of martial art in which he is trained. Taking a cue from the interaction with the students, George made the comment while campaigning for sitting MLA and minister M M Mani, LDF candidate in Udumbanchola.

Meanwhile the comments made by George has sparked a controversy, the Kerala unit of Congress slammed the former MP and said it was clear that the CPI(M) was feeling the heat of losing the Assembly election.

Sharing a video of the incident, the Congress tweeted: "We condemn this misogynistic comment by Joyce George. It's clear CPIM is feeling the heat of losing elections."

Member of Parliament and Youth Congress leader Dean Kuriakose lashed out at the ex-MP and said George might have spoken about his own character. He further stated that the MP had not only insulted Gandhi but also the girl students.  

Opposition leader Ramesh Chennithala while condemning George's remark demanded immediate arrest of the former MP for making such "distasteful comments".

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan though opposed to the politics of Rahul Gandhi has distanced himself from George's comment stating that it's not CPM or LDF's culture to attack someone personally.

"We oppose his (Rahul) politics and we will fight it politically. But it's not our culture to attack someone personally," he said in Kasargod.

"CPM does not agree with the comments made by former Idukki MP Joyce George against Rahul Gandhi. We are against Rahul Gandhi's politics," CPM said in an official statement.

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