What is haunting you? Nadda slams CPM leaders over involvement in Hema committee report

New Delhi: BJP national president Jagat Prakash Nadda lashed out at the Kerala government for not taking action on the Justice Hema Committee report. He accused Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan of hiding something, implying that the government's inaction is due to the involvement of CPM leaders in the matter. 

Nadda questioned, "Why delay in justice to Hema Committee report? What is stopping them (Kerala government)? What is haunting you? Because you are part and parcel of that...it is something you want to hide because your people are involved...I am very sorry to say that the Hema Committee report very specifically said that communist party people are involved. Chief Minister should come out..."

#WATCH | Kerala: During the interaction with eminent personalities from various fields in Palakkad, Union Minister and BJP National President JP Nadda says, " Why delay in justice to Hema committee report? What is stopping them ( Kerala govt)? What is haunting you? Because you… pic.twitter.com/VYujS5wzaC

— ANI (@ANI) September 1, 2024

Harassment in Mollywood

The Justice Hema Committee report, released to the public on August 19, sheds light on serious issues within the Malayalam film industry. It uncovers a troubling power dynamic and sexual exploitation of women in the industry. The report, which was submitted to the Kerala government in December 2019, was only made public recently.

The findings of the report detail the pervasive 'casting couch' culture and systemic exploitation faced by women in Mollywood. According to the report, women professionals in the Malayalam film industry are subjected to coercion and harassment. Those who refuse to comply with sexual demands are reportedly punished and their careers jeopardized by a powerful male-dominated network within the industry.

Allegations against prominent figures

Since the report’s publication, at least ten cases have been filed against various personalities within the Malayalam film industry. These include well-known actors, directors, and production controllers who are now facing allegations of sexual harassment. Notable individuals accused include directors VK Prakash and Ranjith, actors Siddiqui, Mukesh, Jayasurya, Maniyanpilla Raju, Idavela Babu, and Advocate Chandrasekharan, along with production controllers Noble and Vhich.

Nadda slams Kerala CM for shielding CPM members

Nadda’s remarks underscore a broader political and social debate surrounding the handling of the report and its implications. He has accused Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan of shielding the Communist Party members implicated in the report.