Kozhikode (Keralam) | IUML’s first woman legislator Fathima Thahiliya on Sunday reiterated her support for women’s empowerment but opposed singling out Islamic scholar Kanthapuram AP Aboobacker Musliyar over his remarks on women’s public appearance.

Thahiliya won the Perambra constituency as a Congress-led UDF candidate.

Asked about Kanthapuram’s remarks that bringing women onto public platforms would lead to "great destruction", Thahiliya said she had consistently spoken in favour of women’s empowerment.

"Then, now and always, I am someone who speaks out on this issue, especially for women's empowerment. You all know that," she said.

She said her position remained unchanged and that she continued to be involved in issues concerning women and children.

"There is nothing specific to say on that issue. My stance remains the same as before. I continue to hold that exact stance," she said.

Thahiliya said she did not feel the need to comment every time an issue concerning women arose, as her position was already clear.

"I don't think I need to come out and comment every single time an issue arises. I have a stance that I previously took, and I am continuing with that same stance today," she said.

She, however, said she did not agree with targeting Kanthapuram over his remarks.

"He is a great scholar; I never agree with targeting, insulting or singling him out," she said.

She declined to comment further.

Congress leaders, including K Muraleedharan, who opposed Kanthapuram’s remarks on women, had earlier cited Thahiliya’s election as a symbol of women’s empowerment.