AIADMK protest on women’s safety backfires after Shanmugam’s crass remark on actor; shame on humanity, says BJP's Khushbu

CHENNAI: What started as an attempt by AIADMK and its allies to corner the DMK over women's safety on Tuesday spiralled into a political embarrassment for the opposition party after its senior leader C Ve Shanmugam's controversial remarks referring to a leading film actor.

Leading the protest at Villupuram, Shanmugam, who set out to criticise the DMK govt's 'Ungal Kanavu Sollunga' (Tell me your dreams) initiative, asked whether chief minister M K Stalin would fulfill all the dreams. "I want to marry the woman actor, will you fulfil it," he asked naming her.






The remark drew laughter from some on the dais and applause from a section of cadres, but soon triggered a backlash from leaders of various political parties including AIADMK's ally BJP.

DMK deputy general secretary Kanimozhi Karunanidhi condemned the comments, saying, "Political civility or basic morality has never been the quality of AIADMK members," and questioned whether the party leadership would act.

DMK MP Tamilatchi Thangapandian termed the comments "uncivilised" and devoid of political ethics, while TNCC president K Selvaperunthagai demanded an apology from Shanmugam.

BJP functionary Khushbu Sundar called the remark "a shame on humanity," and said that women actors are not anyone's property to be insulted on public platforms.

The South Indian Artistes Association also condemned the remarks and sought an assurance against repetition.

AIADMK's woes mounted when party treasurer Dindigul C Srinivasan too came in for criticisim for his speech during the protest at Dindigul. Referring to free sarees being distributed by DMK, he asked if the party would also give other attire for women.

AIADMK functionaries said that the former ministers' remarks 'undid' the efforts of the AIADMK front to highlight the alleged failure of the DMK govt in protecting women.

Chennai: What started as an attempt by AIADMK and its allies to corner the DMK over women's safety on Tuesday spiralled into a political embarrassment for the opposition party after its senior leader C Ve Shanmugam's controversial remarks referring to a leading film actor.

Leading the protest at Villupuram, Shanmugam, who set out to criticise the DMK govt's 'Ungal Kanavu Sollunga' (Tell me your dreams) initiative, asked whether chief minister M K Stalin would fulfill all the dreams. "I want to marry the woman actor, will you fulfil it," he asked naming her.

The remark drew laughter from some on the dais and applause from a section of cadres, but soon triggered a backlash from leaders of various political parties including AIADMK's ally BJP.

DMK deputy general secretary Kanimozhi Karunanidhi condemned the comments, saying, "Political civility or basic morality has never been the quality of AIADMK members," and questioned whether the party leadership would act.

DMK MP Tamilatchi Thangapandian termed the comments "uncivilised" and devoid of political ethics, while TNCC president K Selvaperunthagai demanded an apology from Shanmugam.

BJP functionary Khushbu Sundar called the remark "a shame on humanity," and said that women actors are not anyone's property to be insulted on public platforms.

The South Indian Artistes Association also condemned the remarks and sought an assurance against repetition.

AIADMK's woes mounted when party treasurer Dindigul C Srinivasan too came in for criticisim for his speech during the protest at Dindigul. Referring to free sarees being distributed by DMK, he asked if the party would also give other attire for women.

AIADMK functionaries said that the former ministers' remarks 'undid' the efforts of the AIADMK front to highlight the alleged failure of the DMK govt in protecting women.