Congress demands resignation of Left MP Innocent over 'bad women' remark

The Congress party on Thursday demanded that actor-politician Innocent step down as Lok Sabha MP over his remark about "bad women" as angry Congress workers marched to his home near Thrissur.

Leader of Opposition Ramesh Chennithala told reporters that Innocent has become a "disgrace" and he should quit as a law maker.

"The Left Front and the silence of Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan over the irresponsible statements of Innocent is baffling. No one has spoken a word against his irresponsible statements," said Chennithala.

Congress legislator V.T. Balram said those responsible for fielding Innocent to contest the elections have to break their silence on the "slander" by a lawmaker.

Innocent was fielded by the CPI-M from the Chalakkudy Lok Sabha seat which he won trouncing Congress heavyweight P.C. Chacko.

On Wednesday at a press conference, in response to a query Innocent said the Malayalam film industry is "clean" of the casting couch, but added that if a "woman is bad" then things are different.

His comment has been widely criticised.

Popular actress Rima Kallingal wrote on Facebook: "When you are so inherently part of a system that holds women accountable for having to sleep around for a job opportunity, rather than the men who ask for that 'favour'.

"When you are so blinded by your privilege and entitlement that you think every woman out there can hold a press conference when her rights and her being are violated.

"When you know that you are part of this system and don't know where to start from.

"But then, you know deep inside that this has to change and change it will," said the actress.

Innocent maintains that his statement was taken out of context and reported in pieces.

Innocent made the comment while answering a question at a press conference on Wednesday to deny media reports that he is quitting as president of the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA).

--IANS

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