DMK’s R.K. Nagar MLA, J. John Ebenezer, has stirred controversy after a video surfaced showing him making derogatory remarks towards local residents, reportedly asking, “Are they mental?” during a heated exchange. The incident occurred when he was visiting his constituency to encourage participation in the upcoming “Ungaludan Stalin” (With You, Stalin) government outreach camp.
As part of the campaign, Ebenezer was explaining the scheme’s benefits and government services to residents. During his visit on 19 August, a woman confronted the MLA, questioning why she had not received the ₹1,000 payment under the Magalir Urimai Thogai (Women’s Rights Grant) scheme.
More women from the locality joined in, expressing frustration that despite most residents receiving the benefit, several women on their street were left out. In response, some DMK cadre accompanying the MLA reportedly remarked that those left out lived in well-built, multi-storey homes and therefore did not qualify for the grant.
A local youth also raised the same concern, stating that no one in his area had received the financial assistance. Ebenezer replied that the issue could be resolved at the upcoming camp, where they could submit a petition for inclusion.
However, the youth pushed back, questioning the timing and sincerity of the initiative. He asked whether residents would only be heard close to elections and expressed skepticism over receiving any funds before the current government’s term ends in seven months.
This exchange escalated tensions, with Ebenezer reportedly stating that women who own homes or use school buses would not be eligible for the grant. When tempers flared further, the MLA allegedly insulted the residents by calling them “mentals.”
Residents claim that Ebenezer also seized and destroyed a phone belonging to a person who was recording the incident. The video, however, had already begun circulating, triggering outrage in the area and sparking criticism against the MLA’s conduct.
#JUSTIN | இவர்கள் எல்லாம் மென்டல்களா? – திமுக MLA.. மகளிர் உரிமைத் தொகை ரூ. 1000 எங்கே? எனக் கேட்டு பெண் ஒருவர் கேள்வி எழுப்பியதால் பிரச்சனை..!#Chennai #RKNagar #DMKMla #JohnEbenezer #TamilNews #NewsTamil #NewsTamil24x7 pic.twitter.com/cskyHHUpbF
— News Tamil 24×7 (@NewsTamilTV24x7) August 19, 2025
(With inputs from Samayam Tamil)
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