Remarks against minister Veena George: Women's Commission books KM Shaji, points out caste angle

Thiruvananthapuram: The Kerala State Women's Commission registered a case against IUML state secretary KM Shaji over his remarks against Health Minister Veena George. The Commission has also sought the Malappuram district police chief to report on the matter.

During a public speech in Malappuram on Thursday, Shaji called Veena ‘a thing ('sathanam') that doesn’t know the head or tail of it.’ 

According to the Commission, Shaji’s speech was highly deplorable. It even pointed out the apparent caste angle in his speech. “The word used to denote the minister was a word that was used to call the victim during the phase of an anti-human trial that happened in the Namboothiri community. It is a reflection of feudal attitude,” the Commission noted.  

It may be noted that the word 'sathanam' (which in English means a thing or inanimate object) was used to denote the accused during Smarthavicharam--a notorious ritualistic trial for adultery practiced among the (Namboothiri) Brahmins of Kerala. 

Meanwhile, Kerala State Women's Commission Chairperson P Sathidevi termed the remarks as highly misogynist.