Kerala's Leader of Opposition V.S. Achuthanandan on Sunday landed in controversy with politicians from across the spectrum condemning his remarks against a former CPI-M leader Sindhu Joy, whom he equated to that of a 'woman of loose character'.

In a reaction to the resignation of Neyyattinkara legislator R. Selvaraj, VS said the UDF had during the last assembly election broke Sindhu from the CPI(M) ranks and introduced her for its campaign. “She was last seen during the campaign. After the election, that abhisaarika (prostitute) is nowhere to be found. It is for you to find out where she is now,” he told the media here.

"She was the candidate (of CPI-M) against K.V.Thomas (now union food minister) in the 2009 Lok Sabha polls. Then she campaigned for the Congress in the 2011 assembly polls. Today the situation is that she has been thrown out by the Congress after using her, just like a woman who has a loose character is dumped after a few years," said Achuthanandan.

During the last election, Achuthanandan had made a similar remark against a UDF candidate opposite him, Lathika Subhash. Asked by reporters whether he was campaigning in the constituency for long durations because his opponent was 'an able candidate', Achuthanandan replied: ''You know her better. You may investigate in which way she is able.''

Lathika went on to file a complaint with the election commission and also another in the magistrate’s court in Palakkad, demanding action against Achuthanandan for his 'attempt' at maligning her. She later withdrew the petition.

Joy too has expressed her outrage at the comments.

"This (allegation) is unbearable, he (Achuthanandan) has forgotten that he too has a daughter" she said in Kochi.

“He is possibly trying to divert public attention from the land transaction case against him. I am keeping myself out of politics these days as I am pursing my education,” she added.

An active leader in student politics, Joy had joined Congress ahead of the 2011 Lok Sabha polls. And Achuthanandan's remarks drew criticism from all quarters.

CPI-M Rajya Sabha member T.N.Seema said that no political leader should use such words against women.

"It was not proper for Achuthanandan to make a statement like this," said Seema who also heads the party's women's organisation.

Lathika Subhash said it is time Achuthanandan stops abusing women.

"All of you know I also came under attack from him during our election campaign and I filed a case against him. But I decided to withdraw the case against him after numerous people including politicians and people of social repute asked me to pardon him and withdraw the case, which I did," she said.

"We all wish to know if Brinda Karat (the lone woman CPI-M politburo member) subscribes to what Achuthanandan said," added Subhash.

State Congress president Ramesh Chennithala termed it 'most unfortunate' that a leader of the stature of Achuthanandan has made such a statement and demanded an apology.

"He should withdraw his curt remark and apologise. We are not a party like CPI-M. Sindhu Joy will be properly looked after by the Congress party and none need to worry about her," he said.

With the Piravom by-election fast approaching (March 17), this issue is expected to make headlines again as the Youth Congress president P.C.Vishnunadh, also a Congress legislator, has announced that if Achuthanandan fails to apologise for this remark, he would have to face strong protests.