Alappuzha (Kerala) | The Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) has suspended its leader, A Irshad, over alleged derogatory remarks against CPI(M) sitting MLA U Prathibha during an election campaign in Kayamkulam, party leaders said on Thursday.

Irshad, a local IUML leader and Kayamkulam UDF convener, allegedly made objectionable remarks about Prathibha at a campaign event, claiming she was "selling" her eloquence and beauty to secure a third consecutive win.

He also accused the MLA of "failing" to work for the people.

Muslim League leaders in the district said Irshad's party membership has been suspended.

He has also been removed from the post of IUML Kayamkulam constituency chairman.

IUML district secretary H Basheer has been given an additional charge, they said.

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan had condemned the comments, terming them "misogynistic and insulting".

The CM said attacking a woman with "derogatory" words just because she is a public servant is "a collapse of the political culture".

Congress leader M Liju, who is contesting from Kayamkulam, had expressed regret and apologised to the sitting MLA over the remarks.

Prathibha and the CPI(M) have stated that a complaint will soon be filed against Irshad with the Election Commission and the police.