CMO denies video deletion claim
In a clarification to NDTV, Satheesan's office described the claim as “untrue and incorrect”.
According to the CMO, the Facebook reel was an extension of an Instagram post and was deleted from Facebook due to a technical error.
The office also said that the Chief Minister's complete message remains available on his Facebook page.
The CMO further clarified that Satheesan has not withdrawn his statement.
Satheesan criticises cleric's remarks on women
Satheesan had strongly criticised prominent Sunni cleric Kanthapuram A.P. Aboobacker Musliyar over remarks suggesting that women should remain confined to their homes and that their participation in public life could lead to “destruction”.
The Chief Minister described such views as outdated and incompatible with a progressive Kerala, stressing that women should have full participation in mainstream social life.
Chief Minister cites Islamic history
Satheesan also argued that the cleric's interpretation was inconsistent with Islamic history.
He cited figures including Khadija, the wife of Prophet Muhammad and a businesswoman, and Aisha, who participated in the Battle of the Camel.
Remarks trigger controversy
Satheesan's comments triggered a political and religious controversy, with the Kerala Muslim Jamaath demanding that he withdraw his remarks and apologise.