Kasaragod, April 5 A controversy has erupted in poll-bound Kerala after a leader of the Women's League allegedly used the term "munafiq" against the LDF candidate in the Kasaragod Assembly constituency.
The Arabic word "munafiq" reportedly means "hypocrite" or "one who pretends in matters of faith" in an Islamic context.
Addressing a recent campaign meeting, Women League district secretary Aishath Farsana allegedly used the term while referring to the ruling LDF candidate, Shanavas Padoor.
The Women's League is the women's wing of the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML), a key ally in the opposition Congress-led UDF.
In a purported video, she is seen accusing Padoor of frequently switching political allegiances, saying he "holds different flags at different times of the day" to secure electoral gains.
In the video, Farsana is also heard invoking a past remark by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, suggesting that the people of Kasaragod know how to respond to such individuals.
Reacting to the controversy, Padoor on Sunday said he respects women and described the remark as possibly a "slip of the tongue made in excitement."
However, he alleged that such statements are often "part of attempts by certain fronts to influence and mislead" Muslim women voters during elections.
The LDF candidate further said the remarks amount to a violation of the election code of conduct and confirmed that a complaint has been lodged with the Election Commission.
Padoor also dismissed allegations of having links with the BJP, terming them "politically motivated".
He claimed that such accusations are typically raised just days before polling, but in this case have surfaced earlier, reflecting the "anxiety" of his opponents.
LDF sources said the speech was a deliberate attempt at "character assassination" and that they have decided to pursue the matter legally.
Polling for the Assembly elections here is scheduled for April 9.
