cong-expels-simi-rosebell-for-alleging-women-abuse-in-party

The Kerala unit of the Congress on Sunday expelled its senior leader Simi Rosebell John. 

 

The decision seems to have stemmed from a declaration where she has accused the grand old party of having a “casting couch” similar to the one in film industry.

 

In response to the remark, Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee, in an official statement, said that it has expelled Simi Rosebell from the primary membership of the party for insulting female leaders before the media.

 

The statement also stated that Rosebell’s accusations were aimed at mentally harassing and defaming lakhs of women leaders and workers in the Congress, in collusion with political adversaries.

 

Meanwhile, reacting to her expulsion, Rosebell said that women who have dignity and pride cannot work in this party.

 

“If they have evidence of what is being alleged it should be released. Women who have dignity, pride and nobility cannot work in this party,” she said.

 

In a startling accusation, Simi Rosebell, a Congress leader from Ernakulam, on Saturday claimed that women within the party have faced exploitation.

 

Speaking to a regional news channel, Rosebell alleged that female members often have to endure exploitation to gain position and opportunities within the party.

 

Rosebell also levelled allegations of sexual harassment against many Congress leaders, including opposition leader VD Satheesan.

 

She has asserted that only by ‘impressing’ male leaders women could ascend to plum positions, often bypassing the need for talent and experience.

 

Meanwhile, Satheesan dismissed Rosebell’s claims as false. “We supported her well. She even held positions within the All India Congress Committee (AICC)”.

 

KPCC President K Sudhakaran has said that organisations concerned have assured a thorough investigation into the matter.

 

“The Mahila Congress has lodged a complaint against Simi Rosebell John. Her allegations are baseless, and the KPCC will investigate the complaint filed by Mahila Congress,” Sudhakaran said.

 

The controversy comes at a time when the Kerala film industry is also grappling with similar allegations of sexual harassment pertaining to the Hema Committee report.