As the assembly election battle intensifies in Kerala, women candidates across political lines are reporting a surge in personal and gender-based attacks. LDF candidate U. Prathibha recently slammed a UDF leader for making sexually derogatory remarks during her campaign in Kayamkulam, stating that elections should be about commitment and not a candidate’s physicality.
Similarly, UDF candidate from Perambra, Fathima Thahiliya, revealed that her social media pages are being flooded with coordinated abuse and sexually colored comments, though she remains undeterred. CPIM leader K.K. Shailaja, contesting in Peravoor, condemned the trend, noting that personal attacks are used when opponents cannot challenge a woman’s professional work. She recalled her own experience during the Vadakara Lok Sabha polls to highlight this deep-seated issue.
BJP leader Shobha Surendran also pointed out the unfair contrast where men are criticized for their policies while women are targeted for their character. Analysts observe that organized trolling and slut-shaming have become increasingly visible in the digital space during this election season. (TNIE)
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