Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) president C Joseph Vijay has criticised DMK president MK Stalin over remarks concerning TVK’s Dharapuram bypoll candidate P Sathyabama, saying political attacks should not extend to personal comments about women.
Addressing voters during a roadshow in the Dharapuram Assembly constituency, Vijay said he was prepared to face criticism directed at him but would not remain silent if women from his family, party or society were targeted.
The remarks came as campaigning intensified ahead of the October 6 Assembly bypoll.
Vijay Questions Stalin’s Remarks on Sathyabama
Vijay referred to comments made by Stalin during an earlier campaign visit and accused the DMK leader of making objectionable remarks about Sathyabama.
TVK leaders have described the comments as body-shaming and inappropriate for political campaigning.
Vijay said political leaders were free to criticise him, his policies or his party, but argued that personal remarks involving women crossed a line.
He also accused other DMK leaders of using similar language during political campaigns.
Vijay Says Attacks on Women Will Not Be Tolerated
Vijay told supporters that he could tolerate personal political attacks against himself but would strongly respond if comments were made against women.
He urged voters to consider the language used by political leaders and argued that election campaigns should focus on public issues rather than personal remarks.
The controversy surrounding Sathyabama has emerged as a major talking point in the final days of campaigning in Dharapuram.
TVK Raises Issue Over Campaign Remarks
TVK has raised objections over the remarks concerning Sathyabama and alleged that such statements lowered the standard of political discourse.
The party has argued that election campaigning should remain focused on governance, policies and public concerns instead of personal attacks.
The DMK, meanwhile, has faced criticism from TVK over the interpretation and tone of the remarks.
Vijay Defends His Public Outreach
During the roadshow, Vijay also responded to criticism that he interacts with people mainly during election periods.
He rejected the allegation and said his engagement with people was not limited to campaigns.
Vijay maintained that political opponents should focus on his administration and political record rather than making personal comments.
Vijay Holds 40-Km Dharapuram Roadshow
Vijay began his Dharapuram roadshow around 1 pm in a customised caravan, with the campaign expected to cover nearly 40 km and more than 20 public-contact points.
The route passed through several important locations, including Periyar Statue Junction, Five Roads Junction, Meenakshipuram, Kulathupalayam and Karaiyur.
During the campaign, Vijay interacted with voters, briefly travelled on a bullock cart and walked along parts of the route while greeting supporters.
He also visited the Moolanur Vanjiamman shrine, where he offered prayers and received traditional temple honours.
Second Campaign Visit to Dharapuram
The roadshow marked Vijay’s second campaign visit to Dharapuram following his September 30 rally.
During his address, Vijay also invoked former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and AIADMK founder MG Ramachandran while speaking about his political approach and warning opponents against personal attacks.
Dharapuram Bypoll on October 6
Polling for the Dharapuram and Madurantakam Assembly constituencies is scheduled for October 6, with counting set for October 9.
The bypolls were triggered after the sitting AIADMK legislators from the two constituencies resigned and joined TVK.
Sathyabama is contesting from Dharapuram on a TVK ticket, while K Maragatham Kumaravel is contesting from Madurantakam.
With campaigning entering its final phase, the dispute over remarks concerning Sathyabama has added another contentious issue to the closely watched Tamil Nadu bypoll battle.
