Grand Mufti’s Remarks Spark Political Row Over Women’s Role

The Grand Mufti Sheikh Abu Bakar Ahmed later tried to clarify his earlier statement, saying his intention was to protect women’s dignity, not to demean them. He used an analogy comparing a gold necklace kept in a locked safe to women left exposed on the street, arguing that public exposure could “damage” their value. The mufti described the traditional veil system as a social safeguard. The comment intensified the debate in Kerala, with the BJP branding it an attack on women’s freedom and equality, while the mufti insisted his words were misinterpreted.