An alleged controversial remark made by a senior CPI(M) leader regarding the traditional headscarf worn by Muslim women in Kerala has landed the ruling party in soup with several religious outfits and scholars coming out against it.

As the issue triggered a huge political row, the Marxist party rejected the comment by K Anil Kumar, a state committee member, saying choice of clothing is the fundamental right of an individual and there was no need for the party to express any opinion on that.