LS polls: Vadakara Left candidate K K Shailaja faces 'sexist' trolling; UDF denies role

K K Shailaja is one of the most influential figures in contemporary Kerala politics. Serving as a central committee member of the CPI(M) and former health minister of the state, she skilfully navigated through some of the most challenging periods the state had faced during the COVID and Nipah outbreaks.

Her extraordinary administrative skills, political acumen, and boldness have earned her international recognition, with the global media hailing her as the 'Corona Slayer' and a 'rock star minister'. 

Yet, on Monday (April 15), the world saw a visibly upset Shailaja, who is currently contesting as a CPI(M) candidate from the Vadakara Lok Sabha constituency. Addressing the media after a highly vicious cyberattack launched against her, the former minister was moved to tears.

Sexist and filthy campaign

"This is the first time I've encountered such a cyberattack in my life. They allegedly spread an obscene image altered to feature my face in family WhatsApp groups, but their attempt failed. The people, not just in this constituency but across the state, are familiar with me. My attire and conduct contradict what was circulated. I've learned that there's been internal criticism within the Congress regarding this incident," said a disturbed Shailaja in a news conference held in the constituency along with district-level party leaders.

The election campaign in Vadakara, particularly, has stooped to a despicable level with a malicious online attack targeting the 67-year-old K K Shailaja. 

Shailaja has lodged a formal complaint with the Election Commission against her UDF opponent, Shafi Parambil, alleging that the cyberattack is being carried out with his knowledge. The complaint states that they are circulating fake videos and photos labelling her as 'Abhisarika' (prostitute) and 'Poothana' (the demoness who kills infants by breast-feeding poisoned milk)

"I find it hard to believe that the UDF candidate is unaware of these occurrences. He has played innocent in the past, claiming ignorance when similar issues have arisen. It would be morally sound for him to intervene and request those responsible to cease such actions. Isn't that a matter of political integrity?" asked the veteran leader and former  Kerala minister.

CPI(M) politburo member Brinda Karat took up cudgels on behalf of Shailaja teacher. "It is an insult to the women of Kerala. The Congress, in its desperation, is resorting to such filthy language against a most respected leader," she said, urging Congress leader Rahul Gandhi to 'immediately make a public statement' condemning his candidate's 'sexist and filthy campaign'.

Congress and UDF respond

However, on the other hand, the Congress and the UDF maintained that the political criticism Shailaja is facing is entirely fair, and they deny any involvement in the reported slander campaign, if such a campaign is indeed occurring. Several leaders have indirectly suggested that the CPI(M) is concocting a narrative to divert attention from the recent bomb blast, which resulted in the death of one of their cadres while making explosives.

V T Balram, the KPCC vice-president  said, "The criticism directed towards her is political in nature. It stems from public inquiries into her tenure as a minister."

"In certain matters, she bore personal responsibility, hence the personal questions. Neither the responsible members of the UDF nor the candidate have levied any slander against her. We're puzzled by her mention of character assassination. What's prompting this lament?" asked the former MLA and Congress leader.

Condemning assault on women

K K Rema, a UDF MLA and the wife of the late rebel communist leader T P Chandrasekharan, condemned the assault on women, regardless of the perpetrator. However, she highlighted the concerning issue of police inaction regarding Shailaja's complaint.

"Several weeks have passed, yet the police have not apprehended the culprits responsible for slandering their own MLA. The fact that the home ministry is under the purview of the CM raises questions about why those responsible haven't been arrested yet," pointed out Rema.

Rema herself has endured relentless cyberbullying and trolling since her husband's murder, allegedly by CPI(M) cadres. She faced severe harassment both online and in public, which reached its peak during the 2021 assembly elections when, despite facing intense scrutiny and criticism, she emerged victorious with UDF support.

Cyber trolls target women

Female leaders frequently become targets of anonymous cyber trolls during heated political battles. This trend is evident in instances involving CPI(M)'s Chintha Jerome, former ministers J. Mercy Kutty Amma, P K Sreemathi, Congress leaders like Shanimol Usman, and even family members of political figures, like Amrutha, wife of DYFI leader and MP A A Rahim, all of whom have been subjected to vicious online attacks. 

Vadakara witnesses a fierce battle

From day one, Vadakara has been a fiercely contested battleground, with both political fronts employing every possible tactic to secure an advantage. Each action taken by one political faction was promptly matched by the other, resulting in intense exchanges on social media and the ground.

With the LDF highlighting the issue of Citizenship Amendment Act and accusing the Congress of ineffectiveness in resisting it, the primary campaign focus in the constituency has shifted towards Muslim politics. At times, the intense campaigning has veered into communal rhetoric as well. Adding to the tension, K K Shailaja has also been targeted by sexist trolls and subjected to personal attacks.

Shailaja said, "Some of the remarks I made during a TV channel interview were taken out of context omitting certain lines from it and circulated on social media so that I would be painted as an outright Islamophobe. They attempted to mislead the public by selectively sharing segments of a speech I had given previously abruptly cutting it short to make out exactly the opposite meaning of what I had said."

According to the Congress, their campaigners aim to highlight what they perceive as missteps by K K Shailaja as a minister, particularly regarding alleged corruption in the procurement of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) kits and face masks during the COVID-19 pandemic.

They also accuse Shailaja of not standing with a minor survivor of a sexual assault case involving a BJP leader, alleging that she instead tried to help the accused. This is one allegation that could potentially hurt her dearly at least in some minority dominated pockets.

However, the CPI(M) and the LDF have escalated the cyberattack issue and taken it to the streets, making it a central campaign point. They assert that such attacks cannot occur without the knowledge of their leadership, emphasising the need for accountability and action against those responsible.