Kerala Assembly polls 2026: Women’s issues weaponised for smear campaigns, allege critics

Critics allege Kerala's 2026 Assembly polls weaponize women's issues for smear campaigns, undermining genuine safety concerns.

With several prominent legislators accused of sexual violence contesting and campaigning in the upcoming polls, questions are being raised about the seriousness with which political parties approach the issue, according to women leaders. Critics argue that women’s issues are reduced to political tools and rather than being treated as a serious policy priority, concerns about their safety are often weaponised for smear campaigns and selectively amplified during elections.

Recently a wave of sexual assault allegations were raised against Palakkad MLA Rahul Mamkootathil. The Congress had suspended the MLA from its primary membership following the allegations.

The Congress has denied ticket to Eldhose Kunnappilly, the legislator from Perumbavoor, after he was embroiled in a similar controversy.

In another incident, a Special Investigation Team had earlier filed a chargesheet in an alleged rape case against actor and Communist Party of India (Marxist) [CPI(M)] MLA M. Mukesh. Though not in the fray this time, Mr. Mukesh says that he will campaign for CPI(M) candidate S. Jayamohan in the Kollam Assembly constituency.

Congress MLA M. Vincent, who is contesting from Kovalam, was arrested in 2017 after being charged with sexual harassment and stalking.

A woman youth leader had reportedly raised complaints of sexual misbehaviour against former CPI(M) MLA P. K. Sasi. He is running as an Independent in Ottappalam with the support of the United Democratic Front.