‘Stand not befitting for progressive Kerala; Speaking 19th century ideas in 21st century’; CM rejects Kanthapuram’s remarks

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Chief Minister V D Satheesan has publicly rejected the controversial anti-women remarks of Kanthapuram A P Aboobacker Musliyar. He criticized Kanthapuram’s statement, saying that it is not a stand befitting for progressive Kerala.

Responding to Kanthapuram’s remarks that allowing women to appear in public forums would lead to serious consequences and that the Quran says women should remain confined to their homes, Satheesan said the UDF disagrees with such a stand. He also clarified that he could not support that in any way.

‘These are things that should have been said in the 19th century and not in the 21st century. The UDF holds the progressive view that women should partake in all spheres of life and live as part of the mainstream of society. Islamic history also says that. Khadija, the first wife of Prophet Muhammad, was a prominent businesswoman. Ayesha, another wife of the Prophet, participated in a war as a military commander,’ said Satheesan.

‘Bilqis, mentioned in Islamic history, was a queen. History says that when Caliph Umar decided to reduce the mahr, a woman challenged the decision. He acknowledged that the woman was right. Women were present even in royal courts,’ VD Satheesan told media.

Meanwhile, the Muslim League, a constituent of the UDF and a partner in the government, adopted a strategic stand by refraining from dismissing Kanthapuram's statement. Muslim League president Panakkad Sadiq Ali Shihab Thangal said that Kanthapuram might have made such remarks with the intention of ensuring women’s safety.