Left women leaders denounce CPM MLA Mukesh: ‘Sickening verbal sexual abuse’, says Brinda Karat; Annie Raja calls for him to quit

Another senior Left leader, Annie Raja of the CPI, called for Mukesh to step down as MLA.

Brinda Karat, a member of the CPI(M) Politburo, said her party has taken a strong view on the issue.

“The Hema Committee report is very welcome as it has shone the light on the total malaise in the film industry, focusing on Kerala. And, along with its report showing that there is rampant sexual harassment in the industry, it has also pointed out the exploitation as far as no contracts are concerned, very bad working conditions, exploitation of other women in the industry, etc. So, it is an extremely welcome report,” she said.

She also welcomed the formation of an SIT by the Kerala government to look into complaints stemming from the report and its aftermath.

“I stand with all the women who have shown such courage and bravery. Not just me,… AIDWA (the CPM-affiliated All India Democratic Women’s Association), the party, everyone… We all stand fully with the women who have come out with such bravery and courage,” she said.

She also congratulated the Women in Cinema Collective (WCC) “for its strong support to women”. “We stand with the women. It is very good that they are coming out openly, making statements and filing complaints with the SIT,” Brinda Karat said.

On the allegations against Mukesh, she said, “Among those named is Mr Mukesh. I have heard the statement of the girl… And, no doubt, since she has filed a complaint, a case will be filed I am sure… The government will fully support her.”

On the demand for his resignation as MLA, she said, “That we can see.”

“I salute her courage to come out openly against such people in the industry. Of all the people she has named… as far as this person…Mukesh…is concerned…it is verbal sexual abuse of the most sickening kind. No doubt about it,” Karat said.

“I also believe that naming and shaming sexual predators is an extremely important part of this movement for justice,” she said.

Senior CPI leader Annie Raja said Mukesh should resign as MLA to allow an honest probe to take place.

“After the Hema Committee report came out…some women artists have come forward and levelled allegations against him taking his name. He is holding a public office. Given the nature of the allegations that he is facing now…for an honest and fair investigation to take place…he should step aside,” she said.

“The Left government in Kerala has taken up a task…to make the film industry a safe space for women… In such a situation…it is the responsibility of all those who are with the Left front to take steps to help the government in its endeavour… So, Mukesh should resign and cooperate with the probe,” she said.

CPI state secretary Binoy Viswam, too, echoed similar views. “It is not a question of X or Y. The victims should get justice. They should also get justice in the industry.”

Asked about Mukesh, he said the Supreme Court had stipulated in a judgment in 2013 that police should register an FIR if any information received by or conveyed to it discloses the commission of any cognizable offence. “If they don’t…then they should document…why an FIR was not filed…,” he said.