On Sunday, 1st September, the Congress party in Kerala expelled its senior leader and PSC member Simi Rose Bell John for accusing the Congress party of having a “casting couch” culture, similar to the one in the film industry.
According to the reports, the announcement was made in a statement by the Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee’s (KPCC) General Secretary M Liju. He stated that KPCC President K Sudhakaran had expelled former AICC member and PSC member Simi Rose Bell John from the primary membership of the party.
According to the Congress’ statement, Simi Rose Bell John’s claims were intended to torture and defame mentally lakhs of women leaders and workers in the Congress movement, apparently in collaboration with political rivals.
John had said that only individuals connected to the leadership are given opportunities in the party. She asserted that a situation comparable to the “casting couch” occurs within the Congress party. She also indicated that women who have dignity and pride cannot work in this party.
“Women leaders from the KPCC Political Affairs Committee, KPCC office bearers, and Mahila Congress State President, among others, had jointly requested the KPCC leadership to take action against her,” Congress stated.
The announcement also noted that the party was convinced that Simi Rose Bell John’s acts constituted a major breach of discipline, resulting in disciplinary action. However, reacting to the expulsion, John lashed out at Congress LoP VD Sathesan and said that a woman with dignity couldn’t work with the party.
“If they have any evidence of what is being alleged it should be released. The proof should be released if there is a conspiracy with the CPIM party. Women of dignity, pride, and nobility can not work in this party,” she said.
Rosebell claimed in an interview with a regional news channel that female members are frequently forced to endure exploitation to advance within the party.
Rosebell also accused various Congress leaders of sexual harassment, including VD Satheesan, claiming that women could only advance to key positions by ‘impressing’ male leaders, often ignoring the requirement for competence and experience.
Meanwhile, Satheesan dismissed Rosebell’s allegations as baseless. “We provided excellent support for her. She even held roles in the All India Congress Committee (AICC).” KPCC President K Sudhakaran also stated that the Manila Congress had filed a complaint against Rosebell and promised a thorough probe into the incident.
“The Mahila Congress has complained Simi Rosebell John. Her allegations are baseless, and the KPCC will investigate the complaint filed by Mahila Congress,” Sudhakaran said.
The incident comes as the Malayalam film industry is dealing with similar charges of sexual harassment. Last week, a section of the Hema Committee report was made public, revealing shocking stories of sexual assault and intimidation faced by women working in the Malayalam film industry. Since the report’s release, more women have come forward to share their traumatic stories.
