Woman leader ousted from Kerala Congress for her ‘casting couch’ allegations; vows to talk to Sonia Gandhi

The Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) expelled senior member Simi Rosebell John from the party on Sunday (Sep1). The expulsion came after Simi Rosebell John, a day earlier, alleged an existing “casting couch” culture within the party, similar to what is often reported in the film industry.

Here's what KPCC's official statement announcing her expulsion said

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In an official statement, the KPCC said that John was ousted for making derogatory comments about female leaders during media interactions. The decision to expel John came after several female leaders within the party urged the KPCC leadership to take action against her, according to the official statement.

The KPCC’s statement also mentioned serious breach of discipline as the reason for her expulsion. “Women leaders from the KPCC's political affairs committee, female office-bearers of the PCC, and the Mahila Congress president jointly appealed to the leadership to act against her,” the statement read.

What did Simi Rosebell John claim?

Simi Rosebell John, who hails from Ernakulam, claimed on Saturday (Aug31) that women within the party have been subjected to exploitation similar to the “casting couch” culture in the film industry.

She accused the party of fostering an environment where women must tolerate such exploitation to secure opportunities. John made sexual harassment accusations against several leaders, including the Congress Leader of Opposition VD Satheesan. She said that women are forced to "impress" male leaders to advance within the party, often sidelining merit and experience.

What did Simi Rosebell John say after her expulsion from KPCC?

Following her expulsion, John addressed a news conference in Kochi, where she criticised Congress Leader of Opposition VD Satheesan. She said, “Satheesan stated that women with dignity and pride cannot work in this party. A person who dedicated themselves to the party has now been expelled.”

John challenged the party leadership to present any evidence they might have against her, urging them to clarify the reasons for their actions. "They should produce evidence if they claim a conspiracy involving CPI(M)," she said.

John also expressed fears for her safety, adding, “They tried to trample on a helpless person like me... VD Satheesan isn’t afraid of anyone... many who once stood with me are now in different positions. I fear walking on the road; anything could happen to me.”

In an interview with NDTV on Monday, John said she plans to "reach out to Sonia Gandhi" to bring her allegations to light. "I am not afraid... I will fight," she asserted.

This incident comes as similar allegations of sexual harassment are making headlines in the Kerala film industry.

(With inputs from agencies)