Kerala CPI(M) Chief Slams Scholar's Call to Restrict Women in Public

CPI(M) general secretary M.A. Baby on Thursday strongly condemned remarks made by Islamic scholar Kanthapuram A.P. Aboobacker Musliyar, who suggested that women's presence in public spaces could lead to "great destruction." Baby characterized the statement as a reflection of a broader reluctance among religions to accept gender equality.

Speaking to reporters, Baby drew a parallel between Kanthapuram's comments and the ideological positions of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). He cited RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat's earlier suggestion that women should stay home to avoid violence, arguing that Kanthapuram's recent statement follows a similar line of reasoning.

The scholar's remarks, made at an Islamic event in Kochi on Sunday, have triggered widespread criticism, including from Kerala Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan, who publicly disagreed with the views.

Baby asserted that such positions are antithetical to the Indian Constitution, which explicitly guarantees gender equality. He stressed that no religious interpretation should undermine this core constitutional principle. "We must firmly adhere to constitutional values in such matters," he said, adding that Kanthapuram's statement represents a clear deviation from these values. Baby expressed hope that those holding such views would engage in self-reflection.