CHENNAI: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay on Monday warned that he would not tolerate abusive or derogatory remarks against women, saying women played a crucial role in his political victory earlier this year.
Addressing the state Assembly, Vijay said women were among the key reasons for his political success and stressed that political criticism should not cross the line into personal attacks or offensive remarks against women.
“Women were a major reason for my political victory. I will not tolerate abusive language against women,” Vijay said, without naming anyone.
His remarks came days after a controversy involving actor Trisha Krishnan, who is reportedly close to Vijay, and senior DMK leader Udhayanidhi Stalin. Udhayanidhi’s alleged double-meaning remarks referring to Trisha during a recent political controversy triggered criticism.
Vijay urged political leaders and others to refrain from personal attacks, particularly those targeting women.
“Do not make personal attacks against women. In recent days, abusive language has been increasingly heard in Tamil Nadu. People are watching how some are using double-meaning language against women,” he said.
The TVK chief also referred to the alleged humiliation faced by former Tamil Nadu chief minister J Jayalalithaa inside the state Assembly in 1989, highlighting the need for dignity and respect towards women in public life.
Trisha remarks trigger political row
The controversy reportedly intensified last month during protests linked to the Cauvery water-sharing dispute, when Trisha’s name was brought into the political discourse.
Udhayanidhi’s alleged remarks, which were seen by critics as having a double meaning, triggered a political backlash. Vijay’s supporters subsequently accused political opponents of repeatedly targeting Trisha and making personal remarks about her.
Against this backdrop, Vijay’s Assembly remarks are being seen as a strong warning against the use of derogatory or suggestive language targeting women in political debates.
While political parties are free to criticise each other on policy and governance issues, Vijay stressed that such criticism should not descend into personal attacks or offensive comments against women.
