Thrissur: Malayalam author Deepa Nisanth’s comments apparently belittling Ramya Haridas, the Congress candidate from the reserved Alathur Lok Sabha constituency in Kerala, has prompted heated debates online. Facebook tit-for-tats have meanwhile spelled trouble for the rival CPM too as Anil Akkara, a Congress MLA, has approached the Election Commission over Deepa's comments which have not been taken lightly by the public.
"The real issue should not be candidate’s singing, dancing talent or religion. It is not an Idea Star Singer or temple committee selection," Deepa commented on the Youth Congress’s Facebook post on Ramya, who is popular owing to her endearing ways of interaction with the public and is a strong contender against the incumbent Alathur MP PK Biju.
"I will sing and speak. These are my weapons. I ignore such criticisms," Ramya had candidly responded.
Deepa, a Left sympathiser, explained she was merely asking a couple of questions to the candidate from the constituency.
However, Congress leaders KS Sabarinath, MLA, and PC Vishnunath soon joined in. ‘What’s the real issue here? A candidate who sings, or a candidate from the Scheduled Caste in the fray to enter the Parliament?’ – Vishnunath responded on Facebook.
Sabarinadhan took a swipe at Deepa saying 'armchair intellectualism' and 'intellectual arrogance' have no space in a democracy. ‘If former AMMA president and actor can contest, why can’t an elected panchayat representative?’ He remarked without naming the sitting MP and a CPM contestant from the same Chalakudy constituency. (AMMA is the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists).
Sabarinadhan, who took exception to Deepa’s 'not star singer selection' jibe, said Ramya was indeed qualified to contest election.
Legislator Anil complained to the EC that Deepa's comment targeted the candidate’s religious background.
read more: Election calendar
