#MeToo moment for CPM: CPM inquiry panel finds its MLA indulged only in ‘Low Intensity’ sexual harassment; Kerala Women’s Commission chief says she too will approach the ‘Party’, not the Police, in ca

At last CPM has taken a decision in sex scandal alleged by a woman DYFI leader against party’s Shornnur MLA and Palakkad district secretariat member P.K. Sasi. The case has been hitting the headlines for the last few months. But, CPM kept on stating that since the girl has not filed any complaint before any police station, the party would look into the matter and do the needful. Then the reports poured in that the girl complained to the CPM politburo member Brinda Karat and general secretary Sitaram Yechury. But, both leaders did not admit that. But, nothing happened. Sasi still called the shots. Then the political observers found out the reason for it: He is the blue-eyed boy of Pinarayi Vijayan.

Sasi was even assigned to lead the “Janamunnetta Yatra”, the CPM campaign against RSS and BJP in connection with the young women’s Shabarimala entry. But when the propaganda by BJP and Congress mounted, CPM appointed a party commission to inquire into it. It comprised of State Cabinet Minister A.K. Balan, who quite often rubs shoulders with Sasi in the activities in Palakkad, the home districts of both P.K. Sreemati Teacher MP. Both are Sasi’s comrades-in-arms! Even when the inquiry drama was going on Sasis was seen sharing the dais with both enquiry officers! Media reports and the sharp criticism by BJP and Congress-UDF did not change the stand of Pinarayi.

On November 26, the inquiry report came out: Sasi will be expelled from the party’s primary membership for six months. And, that is all! And, that too for objectionable telephone conversation! According to reports, the Commission found that the sexual harassment was of ‘low intensity’! Commission says, there was no ‘physical’ assault or misbehaviour! Sasi has stated that he accepts the party action.

The girl says, she is not for any further action or complaint. When the complaint came to the limelight, there were reports that DYFI state leaders had promised her a gift of crores of rupees and a berth in the DYFI state leadership.

BJP state president Adv. P.S. Sreedharan Pillai says, the punishment pronounced by the party committee is the CPM’s haste to protect a party man from a sex scandal. The party defended its leader by taking a stand not to pass on the complaint to the police despite the repeated complaints from the woman DYF leader. Since the very beginning, CPM has been trying to hush the matter up and interpret it into a domestic issue of the party sans going for an action laid down in the country’s constitution and Indian Penal Code. By following this line, CPM challenges the constitution. The man should be taken into custody, and he should undergo the test for sexual capacity. But, the government does not allow the law and the system to take their own course.

Adv. Pillai added that Pinarayi regime protects two Congress leaders from the rape case. He was obviously referring to Solar fame Sarita Nair’s complaint against former Congress CM Oommen Chandy and Congress general secretary and former union minister K.C. Venugopal. These incidents prove that rapists are safe in Kerala.

Meanwhile, in a shocking revelation, Kerala State Women Commission chairperson and CPM leader MC Josephine told media that she would approach the CPM committee, not the Police or Court if she faces similar kind of harassment. Josephine had stirred up a controversy when she hesitated to take suo-motu against the MLA. She had justified her stand and defended the CPM by saying “mistakes do happen”.