'Casting Couch' Row: 'Women Who Speak Against Cong Are Sidelined,' Says Expelled Leader Simi John

Kochi: The Congress has expelled Simi Rose Bell John, the woman leader, who alleged that woman in the party face exploitative behaviours from male party leaders. She alleged that a 'casting couch' exists in the party just like it reportedly does in the film industry. This comes as the #MeToo movement has created waves across the country with many actors coming forward in reporting the alleged sexual harassments they faced by the industry members.

The decision to expel John was announced by the Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) General Secretary M Liju. He  stated that Simi John's accusations were aimed at mentally harassing and defaming lakhs of women leaders and workers in the Congress movement, allegedly in collusion with political adversaries.

The woman leader had alleged that several women within the party have faced sexual harassments from male party leaders, expressing doubts over the merit of many women leaders in the party. She suggested that their rise to prominent positions should be evaluated based on their political track record and grassroots work in KSU and Mahila Congress.

Her expulsion follows complaints against her by several women leaders from various positions within the party.

'Women Who Speak Against Party Are Sidelined or Expelled'

While speaking exclusively to Republic, Simi John alleged "women who speak against the party are sidelined or expelled", criticising the party for not addressing the issue.

She claimed she was not issued any notice in this regard and democratic process was not followed in her expulsion.

She said," Instead of addressing the issue, the party silenced me, led by the leader of the opposition, V.D. Satheesan. I was a grassroots worker. V.D. Satheesan was not there at that time. He has not worked with the district commission. That is the reason I became a public service commissioner. I have been here for 37 years. Women who speak against the party are sidelined or expelled. "

Citing this reason, she disclosed that many women leaders, including  Rosa Kutty Teacher, Lalitha Subhash, Sajitha Jamal, and Padmaja, left the party.

"Tall women leaders like Rosa Kutty Teacher, Lalitha Subhash, Sajitha Jamal, and Padmaja left. I was not issued a show-cause notice. It was not done democratically. I was highlighting favoritism and exploitation. I am a constitutional functionary. The party was not allowing me to function."

‘Will Fight This Injustice:’ Simi John

Further, she refused to join any other party and determined to fight against injustice. She also refuted the allegation of colluding with the CPIM for hatching a conspiracy against the party.

"I will not go to any other party. I will fight this injustice. Many women in the party are supporting me. The allegation that I am colluding with the CPIM is baseless. My criticism is based on my experience and is not influenced by any other political party."

In her defense, Simi John on Sunday held a press conference in Kochi and slammed Congress LoP VD Sathesan. She said, "Satheesan said that women who have dignity, pride, and dignity can not work in this party. A person who struggled for the party for some time was expelled." She also challenged the Congress to provide evidence of the alleged conspiracy with the CPM party.

KPCC chief and Member of Lok Sabha K Sudhakaran earlier stated that the allegations made by Simi Rose Bell John were baseless and that the KPCC would investigate the matter following a complaint filed by the Mahila Congress against her.