Kerala Congress leader Simi Rosebell John expelled over ‘casting couch’ culture in party commentary

On Sunday, September 1, the Congress party in Kerala expelled its senior leader and PSC member Simi Rose Bell John after she accused the Congress party of having a “casting couch” culture similar to that in the film industry.

According to reports, the announcement was made in a statement issued by Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) General Secretary M Liju. He stated that KPCC president K Sudhakaran had excluded former AICC member and PSC member Simi Rose Bell John from the primary membership of the party.

According to the Congress statement, Simi Rose Bell John’s allegations were intended to torture and mentally defame thousands of women leaders and workers in the Congress movement, apparently in collusion with political rivals.

John had said that only those who have connections with the leadership are given opportunities in the party. She alleged that a situation similar to the “casting couch” exists in the Congress party. She also indicated that women who have dignity and pride cannot work in this party.

“Women leaders of the KPCC Political Affairs Committee, KPCC executives and Mahila Congress State President, among others, had jointly requested the KPCC leadership to take action against her,” Congress said.

The announcement also stated that the party was convinced that Simi Rose Bell John’s actions constituted a serious breach of discipline, resulting in disciplinary action. However, in response to the expulsion, John lashed out at Congress LoP VD Sathesan, saying that a woman with dignity could not work with the party.

“If they have any evidence of what is being alleged, it should be released. The evidence should be released if there is a conspiracy with the CPIM party. Women with dignity, pride and nobility cannot work in this party,” she said.

Rosebell alleged in an interview with a regional news station that female members are often exploited to advance within the party.

Rosebell also accused several Congress leaders of sexual harassment, including VD Satheesan. According to him, women could only ‘impress’ male leaders, often ignoring the requirements of competence and experience.

Meanwhile, Satheesan dismissed Rosebell’s allegations as baseless. “We have been very supportive of her. She even held positions in the All India Congress Committee (AICC).” KPCC president K Sudhakaran also stated that the Manila Congress had filed a complaint against Rosebell and promised a thorough investigation into the incident.

“The Mahila Congress has accused Simi Rosebell John. Her allegations are baseless and the KPCC will investigate the complaint of Mahila Congress,” Sudhakaran said.

The incident comes as the Malayalam film industry is facing similar allegations of sexual harassment. Last week, a part of the Hema Commission report was made public, which revealed shocking stories of sexual abuse and harassment faced by women working in the Malayalam film industry. Since the report was published, more women have come forward to share their traumatic stories.