Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay has cautioned against using derogatory or defamatory language against women, saying freedom of expression should not be used as a justification for obscene remarks.
Speaking in the Tamil Nadu Assembly, Vijay said political criticism was acceptable but appealed to political leaders and others to avoid comments that demean women.
“Political criticism can be harsh, but there should not be any defamatory remarks against women,” Vijay said, stressing that people are watching how public figures speak about women.
Vijay links political success to women’s support
Vijay, who became chief minister after making the transition from cinema to politics, said women had played an important role in his journey.
He said people were responsible for making him successful both as an actor and in his present political role, while women in families had also contributed significantly.
Vijay said the law would take its course against anyone making obscene or defamatory remarks about women.
Remarks come amid Trisha controversy
The chief minister’s comments come days after a controversy involving DMK leader and Tamil Nadu Leader of Opposition Udhayanidhi Stalin and actor Trisha.
Udhayanidhi was accused of making a double-meaning remark at a Cauvery-related protest meeting in August. The DMK has rejected the allegation, saying the remarks were edited or misrepresented and that Udhayanidhi did not name the actor.
Police subsequently took Udhayanidhi into custody for questioning, but the Madras High Court ordered his release after questioning.
Vijay referred to the controversy while speaking about the need for responsible political discourse, also recalling allegations that former Tamil Nadu chief minister J Jayalalithaa had been humiliated in the Assembly.
Udhayanidhi accuses government of making allegations
After the Assembly proceedings, Udhayanidhi criticised Vijay’s remarks and accused the government of making allegations against the DMK without providing evidence.
He claimed that the Opposition was not given an opportunity to respond to the chief minister’s allegations during the proceedings.
Udhayanidhi said accusations alone were not enough and maintained that any allegation must ultimately be established with evidence.
Vijay calls for responsible political speech
Vijay’s remarks underline his call for a distinction between political criticism and personal attacks, particularly comments targeting women.
The chief minister said freedom of expression is a personal right but argued that people should exercise it responsibly and avoid language that is defamatory, obscene or degrading.
