Kerala Film Industry and Congress Face Casting Couch Claims

Former Congress leader Simi Rose Bell John, expelled from the Kerala unit, has claimed a 'casting couch' culture within the party, alleging that opportunities are given only to those close to senior leaders. She plans to approach Sonia Gandhi with her allegations, asserting she will continue to fight for women's rights in Kerala. The Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) refuted her claims, labeling them as defamatory and politically motivated. This controversy follows similar sexual abuse allegations in the Malayalam film industry, with key industry figures stepping down from their positions. B Unnikrishnan, General Secretary of the Film Employees Federation of Kerala (FEFKA), confirmed the existence of the casting couch in the industry. The Congress party is now under scrutiny, with senior leaders denying the accusations and promising an internal investigation.