CPM’s netas hijab remark sparks row in Kerala

The Kerala Secretary of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPM), M V Govindan, rejected a party member’s claim that Muslim girls in Malappuram are rejecting the hijab due to the party’s influence and education. Govindan stated that a person’s choice of clothing is a personal right and should not be interfered with. Muslim organizations and other political figures criticized the party member’s comments, accusing the CPM of encroaching on religious beliefs.