New Delhi: In the wake of the controversy surrounding the release of the Hema Committee report, CPM Politburo member Brinda Karat has praised the Kerala government’s efforts to address issues within the Malayalam film industry. In an essay published on the official CPM website, titled ‘Some Thoughts on the Hema Committee Report Aftermath,’ Karat has also expressed concerns about the continuation of actor Mukesh, a fellow party member, as MLA, following sexual abuse allegations against him.

Even as strong protests are being raised within the LDF and even within the party regarding the continuation of Mukesh as MLA, the Kerala unit of CPM has been resisting these loud protests by putting up the argument that two Congress MLAs, Eldhose Kunnappilly and M Vincent, had not resigned when similar allegations were levelled against them. CPM Central Committee member and LDF convener EP Jayarajan and LSGD Minister MB Rajesh have also come out voicing this argument to justify the party’s stand.

But, in her essay, Brinda has given a different perspective regarding this, saying that it is not quite right to take such a regressive stand and take shelter in the argument that Congress had done the same when similar allegations were raised against them in the past.

By using a Hindi phrase “tu-tu-main-main” (you did this and I did that), she said that this should not be the stand taken by a left government.

“But, we should not get into a diversionary — what is called in Hindi, a “tu-tu-main-main” (you did this and I did that) sort of useless argument. The focus is and must be to provide a safe environment for women everywhere — and in the context of the Hema Committee Report — in the film industry. Women must have the confidence that the government and society are with them in their brave fight for justice. In addition to the protection of personal space and bodily integrity, this also means equal rights within the industry. This will require the participation of all stakeholders,” she said in the essay.

Otherwise, Brinda praises the Kerala government for taking a strong stand in connection with the injustices and inequalities prevailing in the Malayalam film industry. She says that Congress is playing petty politics to save their face.