Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay stated on Monday that he would not accept any abusive language or defamatory remarks directed at women. He emphasized the importance of respecting women, whom he credited with contributing to his party’s success in the recent state Assembly elections this year.
Political Leader Emphasizes Women’s Role in Victory
In a recent address to the state assembly, the political leader credited women as the primary factor behind his electoral success. He expressed a firm stance against any form of abusive language directed at women, stating, “I will not tolerate any abusive language against women. There can be harsh political criticism, but there should not be any defamatory remarks against women.” This statement highlights his commitment to fostering a respectful political environment.
The DMK subsequently staged protests and approached the Madras High Court, after which the former state minister was released. The controversy began in the first week of August when Udhayanidhi was addressing a rally organised to put pressure on the state government over the Cauvery water-sharing dispute, a century-old source of tension between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. As the crowd chanted Trisha’s name, Udhayanidhi made an obscene remark. The incident marked the first major political confrontation in Tamil Nadu since Vijay’s surprise victory in the Assembly elections this summer. The controversy also saw the DMK, which had appeared somewhat weakened after losing allies to the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), rally behind the former deputy chief minister.
The following day, Udhayanidhi was arrested from his residence in Chennai at 10 am and taken to Thanjavur, where he had made the controversial comment.
Earlier reporting noted: Underscoring that “women are the main reason” behind his political victory in Tamil Nadu, the actor-turned-politician said that political criticism was legitimate but warned that derogatory comments against women would not be tolerated.
Earlier reporting noted: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay has a request: do not make defamatory remarks against women.
