KOCHI: A speech by Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee president
Mullappally Ramachandran
that referred to the state health minister as '
Nipah Princess
' and '
Covid Queen
' came in for sharp criticism from social media users who found the language loaded with misogyny and sexism.
Ramachandran, while inaugurating a day-long hunger strike in front of secretariat in Thiruvananthapuram by opposition leader
Ramesh Chennithala
, said Shailaja "who had earlier tried to anoint herself as Nipah Rajakumari is now trying to earn the title of Covid Rani".
"While the world calls her 'Corona Slayer', @MullappallyR is calling her 'Nipah Princess' and 'Corona Queen'. Such a crass way of robbing her of her credits. Just goes to show how deeply misogyny and sexism is ingrained in male politicians," tweeted Khushboo from the handle @Khush_boozing. Left supporters and those critical of the statement also tried to trend the hashtag #MullappallyShouldApologize on Twitter.
"Institute of Human Virology, Baltimore honoured @shailajateacher 4 her efforts 2 contain #NipahVirus . National Medical University, Moldova honoured her with a lifetime Visiting Professor post 4 her remarkable contributions to healthcare," tweeted Sidharth VS from the handle @sidhuvs10.
"It's not breaking news that our society stays pickled in sexism. But we should not let such unruly men get away with their toxic rants. This is a dog whistle for his minions," wrote Shahil M, who goes by the handle @shahilsPOV.
Some users highlighted the achievements of the Kerala health minister who was in the international news for effectively handling the pandemic situation. Twitter user @menathbeena wanted the women's commission to take suo motu cognizance of Mullappally Ramachandran's comments and take immediate action. In March, a statement by Ramesh Chennithala that the health minister is driven by 'media mania' for her regular press conferences.