R ARIVANANTHAM
COIMBATORE, AUG 4
Political differences may be sharp, but should they ever become an excuse to compromise a woman’s dignity? That question took centre stage in Coimbatore on Tuesday as Tamizhaga Vetri Kazhagam (TVK) Kavundampalayam MLA Kanimozhi Santhosh led a women’s wing protest condemning the controversial remarks attributed to DMK Opposition Leader Udhayanidhi Stalin concerning actress Trisha.
- TVK MLA condemns Udhayanidhi Stalin’s controversial remarks against actress Trisha
- “Political disagreements are natural, but remarks that demean women are unacceptable”
- Women’s wing protest in Coimbatore calls for restraint, accountability and respect in public discourse
- “No individual should be allowed to use the dignity of women as a political weapon”
Calling for greater restraint and responsibility in political discourse, Kanimozhi Santhosh said public representatives, particularly those occupying high office, carry a heightened responsibility to ensure that their words do not demean women or undermine their dignity.
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“Those holding high positions in public life have a greater responsibility to maintain dignity and restraint in their words. Political disagreements are natural in a democracy, but remarks that demean women or hurt their dignity and respect are unacceptable under any circumstances,” she said.
Political battles must not become personal attacks
Kanimozhi Santhosh stressed that political discourse should centre on issues affecting people and the performance of governments rather than personal attacks or comments that compromise the dignity of women.
“Politics should be a platform for debating people’s issues, public policies, governance and the performance of governments. It should never become a platform for insulting women or compromising their dignity,” she stated.
Emphasising that every word spoken by an elected representative carries consequences beyond the immediate political arena, she said public figures must recognise the influence their statements wield on society.
“As a woman and an elected representative of the people, I strongly condemn such remarks. This cannot simply be brushed aside as a political disagreement. Respecting the dignity of women is a collective responsibility of our entire society,” she said.
‘Public office does not give anyone licence to speak irresponsibly’
The TVK MLA said political affiliation or public office cannot be treated as a licence for irresponsible speech, insisting that objectionable remarks against women should be questioned regardless of who makes them.
“Raising our voice against statements that insult women is not merely the right of women; it is the responsibility of society as a whole. No individual should be allowed to use the dignity of women as a political weapon,” she said.
Her remarks come amid a wider debate in Tamil Nadu over the need for greater civility and restraint in political speech, particularly when women in public life or the entertainment industry become subjects of political rhetoric.
Call for inquiry, action in accordance with law
Kanimozhi Santhosh called for an appropriate inquiry into the controversy and urged the authorities to take necessary action in accordance with law and established democratic principles.
She said accountability should not be selective and that the dignity of women must remain above political considerations.
“Wherever a woman’s honour and dignity are attacked through words, the voices of women will rise strongly against it. The dignity of women must be protected, and derogatory remarks against women must be brought to an end. This is the voice of a civilised Tamil Nadu,” she concluded.
