Congress Expels Simi Rose Bell John Over Alleged Derogatory Remarks Against Women Leaders

Former Congress member Simi Rose Bell John was expelled for allegedly making derogatory comments about women leaders within the party. The KPCC announced the decision amidst accusations of her collusion with political adversaries, leading to a disciplinary action that has sparked further controversy.

Former Congress party and PSC member Simi Rose Bell John was expelled from the party on Sunday following her alleged derogatory remarks against women leaders of the Congress in an interview with a private TV channel. The announcement was made in a statement by the Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) General Secretary M Liju, which stated that the 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 statement, Simi Rose Bell John's accusations were aimed at mentally harassing and defaming lakhs of women leaders and workers in the Congress movement, allegedly in collusion with political adversaries. "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," the release stated.

The release further stated that the party was convinced that Simi Rose Bell John's actions constituted a serious breach of discipline, which led to disciplinary action. In her reply to the charges by the Congress, Simi Rose Bell John in a news conference in Kochi lashed out at the Congress saying, "Recently a person who worked for this party for a long time was expelled, the reason was that this person conspired with CPI(M) but there is no evidence, if they have it, they should make it public."

The Kerala Congress has stated that any allegations made by Simi Rose Bell John lack evidence, emphasizing that her remarks have caused significant harm. KPCC President K Sudhakaran and other party members have expressed their commitment to investigate the matter following a formal complaint from the Mahila Congress.

(With inputs from agencies.)