Gender-equality controversy may prove to be a thorn in UDF's side

Women groups see row as move to subvert attention from SC intervention on personal law

- K S SREEJITH @T'Puram

DESPITE Leader of Opposition V D Satheesan denouncing Muslim League state general secretary P M A Salam's remarks on gender equality, there is a sullen silence within the UDF, with many front partners unwilling to invite the ire of the powerful League. However, with several Muslim women organisations criticising Salam's stand, it is clear the controversy will come to haunt the opposition alliance for a while.

On Wednesday, Salam said that men and women are not equal on all fronts, and that the League does not support gender equality. Even after Satheesan dismissed it as Salam's personal opinion, the League leader reiterated his stand on Friday. "We have received more positive responses," Salam told TNIE.