CPM-backed former MP withdraws repulsive remarks against Rahul Gandhi

Asked about the remarks, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said the LDF did not believe in personal insults. "We would continue to take him (Rahul) on politically."

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Addressing the election meeting at Irattayar in Idukki district, Joice said Rahul goes to colleges where there are only women. (File)

Joyce George, a CPM-backed former MP from Idukki in Kerala, Tuesday withdrew his repulsive remarks against Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and apologised for the same.

Addressing an election meeting at Irattayar in the Idukki district, Joice said Rahul goes to colleges where there are only women. In a reference to the Congress leader’s recent interaction with college students in Kerala, where he was seen doing push-ups and teaching the students a few steps of the martial art form Aikido, Joice said women should be wary because “he is not married”. A video of the meeting shows other CPM present at the meeting, including minister M M Mani, smiling at Joice’s remarks.

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On Tuesday, George, at another election rally, apologised for his comments. He said, “Yesterday while speaking at an election rally in Erattayar, I made certain inappropriate remarks. I withdraw those remarks unconditionally. I publicly convey my regret.”

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Asked about the remarks, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said the LDF did not believe in personal insults. “We would continue to take him (Rahul) on politically.”

The Congress, meanwhile, carried out protests across different parts of the state demanding George’s apology over his statement.

Former chief minister Oommen Chandy sought an apology and said Joice, who represented Idukki Lok Sabha seat as a CPM-backed MP from 2014-2019, had insulted not only college students but the entire Kerala. “These are unfortunate and painful remarks. Such a comment should not have been made from Kerala. It’s an insult to women in Kerala,” he said.