Controversial ‘low-intensity’ remark resurfaces as CPM women wing leader compares sexual assault cases against 2 Kerala MLAs

Pathanamthitta: Lasitha Nair, Pathanamthitta district secretary of the CPM’s women wing, All India Democratic Women’s Association (AIDWA), described the sexual harassment case involving Rahul Mamkootathil as “extreme”, while terming the case against ruling CPM MLA M. Mukesh as “low intensity”. She made the remarks at a press conference at the Pathanamthitta Press Club on Wednesday.

Lasitha said there is no solid evidence against M. Mukesh and the matter has not been officially recognised as sexual assault. “There has been no follow-up or punitive action. The Mukesh case is being handed over to the law,” she noted. She added that the party does not take disciplinary action in such cases.

According to Lasitha, many candidates in Pathanamthitta district were recommended by Rahul Mamkootathil. In Adoor municipality, Youth Congress leader Fenni Nainan, a close associate of Rahul, is contesting. Other candidates include Pazhakulam Sivadasan in Pallikkal panchayat and Sreena Devi Kunjamma in the Pallikkal division of the district panchayat.

Lasitha said Sreena Devi Kunjamma, who praised Rahul in a way considered humiliating to women, has also been given a seat. She demanded that the Congress reconsider her candidature, warning that the party seems to be protecting Rahul. AIDWA plans to stage protests against him in the coming days.

CPM’s past ‘low intensity’ remarks

Low-intensity remarks on sexual harassment have appeared in the past. A few years ago, CPM MLA PK Sasi was accused of sexually harassing a female DYFI member. The party suspended him for six months and set up an investigation commission led by party leaders. The report called the harassment “low intensity”, and Sasi was later reinstated to the District Committee, sparking opposition criticism.