Kochi | Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Thursday said that criticism of an individual should not be at the cost of their dignity and all political parties should keep this in mind

Vijayan was referring to the comments made by a UDF leader against the sitting Kayamkulam MLA and LDF candidate of the constituency for the April 9 polls, U Prathibha.

A Irshad, a leader of the Indian Union Muslim League and Kayamkulam UDF convener, during an election event, claimed that Prathibha was "selling" her eloquence and beauty for a third win from the seat and also accused the MLA of not doing any work for the people.

The CM said that what happened at Kayamkulam was "wrong" and claimed that it occurred when Congress general secretary K C Venugopal was present at the venue.

He said that women working in the public sphere should not be treated in this manner and such incidents show a "perverted mindset".

"It is something the society cannot accept," he said.

Vijayan, on Wednesday, had condemned the remarks against Prathibha as "misogynistic and insulting".

Prathibha had said that she will pursue a complaint in accordance with election norms and will also seek police action.

The IUML, subsequently, suspended Irshad.