A fresh controversy has erupted in Kerala after Sayed Ali Majeed, a member of the ruling CPI(M), made misogynistic remarks during a public event celebrating his narrow victory in a recent municipal election. Majeed won by a margin of just 47 votes in Malappuram district, but his post-election speech has drawn widespread criticism for its derogatory references to women.

Addressing a gathering of Left workers, including women, Majeed targeted the Indian Union Muslim League for fielding female candidates in the local body polls. He accused the party of “using women to win votes,” claiming they were being “displayed” for electoral gains. His remarks were met with cheers from sections of the audience, intensifying the backlash.

The CPM leader went further, making comments that also demeaned women within his own party. He stated that women should remain at home and suggested that marriages were meant solely for domestic and reproductive purposes. The comments, invoking traditional notions of lineage and family background, were widely condemned as regressive and offensive.

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The controversy comes at a politically sensitive time for the CPM-led Left Democratic Front (LDF), which suffered significant losses in the municipal elections. The results are being viewed as an early warning sign for the ruling coalition ahead of next year’s Assembly elections in the state.

The Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) emerged stronger, winning four of six municipal corporations, while retaining Kannur and flipping Kochi and Kollam from the Left. Adding to the LDF’s troubles, the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) secured a historic victory in Thiruvananthapuram, a traditional Left stronghold.

Political observers note that Majeed’s remarks have further embarrassed the CPM at a time when it is already grappling with electoral setbacks and growing opposition momentum. The incident has reignited debates around gender equality, political accountability, and the conduct of elected representatives in public discourse.

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