BJP's Shehzad Poonawalla asks whether Priyanka Vadra will speak up for Simi Rosebell John, questioning the Congress party.
New Delhi, September 2: After the expulsion of Kerala Congress leader Simi Rose Bell John from the party, BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla remarked on Monday that rather than investigating the issue, the Congress chose to expel a leader who was advocating for women.
In a video posted on X, Poonawalla challenged Congress leader Priyanka Vadra, asking whether she would support Simi Rose Bell John or remain silent.
Poonawalla criticized the Congress for its response to the Hema Committee report in Kerala, which has exposed several issues. He noted that Left MLA Mukesh has faced serious allegations of sexual abuse and rape, yet the Communist Party of Kerala has taken no action. In contrast, Poonawalla claimed that the Congress demonstrated its anti-women stance by expelling Simi Rose Bell John, who had pointed out instances of exploitation within the Kerala Congress.
He also criticized the Congress's slogan, "Ladki hoon, Lad sakti hu," suggesting that the party claims women can fight but expels them when they do. He questioned whether Priyanka Vadra would support Simi Rose Bell John or remain silent.
Simi Rose Bell John was expelled from the Congress on Sunday following her alleged derogatory remarks about female Congress leaders during an interview with a private TV channel.
The Kerala Congress issued a statement accusing Simi Rose Bell John of attempting to mentally harass and defame thousands of Congress women leaders and workers, allegedly in coordination with political opponents.
In response, Simi Rose Bell John held a news conference in Kochi, criticizing the Congress for expelling her. She said, "A long-time party member was recently expelled on grounds of conspiring with CPI(M), but there is no evidence; if they have it, they should make it public. Mahila Congress state President Lathika Subash was also expelled under questionable circumstances. K Karunakaran's daughter Padmaja Venugopal faced similar treatment."
She further claimed that her only fault was becoming the voice of women within the party. "My only mistake was becoming the voice for women here. If I conspired with CPI(M), they should provide evidence. They tried to suppress a vulnerable widow like me. VD Satheesan is not afraid of anyone. Many who supported me now hold different positions. I now fear for my safety; anything could happen to me," she said.