DMDK chief and MLA Premalatha Vijayakanth has strongly condemned the alleged derogatory remarks made by DMK leaders, including Minister P.K. Sekar Babu and A. Raja, against TVK leaders and their family members.
Speaking at a press meet, Premalatha said political differences should not be used as a reason to make disparaging remarks about someone’s mother or women in their family.
“Regarding the remarks made by former ministers like Sekar Babu—this is something that must be strongly condemned. What did Nirmal Kumar’s mother do? No one has the right to speak disparagingly about someone’s mother in a public forum,” she said.
“Everyone born on this earth was brought into the world by a mother; even the minister who made those remarks was born to a mother. Given that, if you harbor animosity, find something else to talk about. Why bring their mother into it? Who gave you the right to speak about her?”
Premalatha said those holding political positions should exercise restraint while speaking in public.
“Just imagine if someone spoke about your mother—would you accept it? It would be a terribly wrong thing to do. Before rubbing others’ backs, look at your own back; there is plenty of filth there. When we point a finger at someone, three fingers point back at us—everyone needs to understand this first,” she said.
She also criticised the use of offensive language by political leaders while addressing opponents.
“Just because one has a microphone in hand, one shouldn’t say whatever comes to mind. The public is watching everything. Especially for those in high-ranking positions, every word spoken must be dignified, decent, and respectful; using crude language is wrong, no matter who does it,” Premalatha said.
She said the DMDK supported the decision to file a case over the remarks and said the same standard should apply to everyone.
“DMDK strongly condemns this, and the decision to file a case was correct—everyone should follow this standard. If you act righteously today while filing a case against them, remember that if you commit a similar wrong, a case will certainly be filed against you too.”
Premalatha further urged political leaders not to target women belonging to the families of their political opponents.
“So, please, do not speak about the women in someone’s family. What did his mother do? She is likely an elderly woman who stays at home. Every mother is like that, isn’t she? Why speak that way? It is wrong; I request that no one does this.”
Emphasising her position as a woman leader, she said such remarks should not be accepted regardless of which party makes them.
“As a woman and a female leader, I do not condone—nor does the DMDK condone—speaking disparagingly about any woman. This is the truth; I have spoken about this in the Legislative Assembly.”
She concluded by stressing that women should not be targeted either on social media or in public political discourse.
“I want to firmly place on record that no one has the right to speak about anyone—whether on social media or in the public sphere—in a manner that targets women.”
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