A statement by DMDK General Secretary Premalath at a DMK campaign meeting in Salem has triggered surprise and discomfort among DMK cadres after she openly referred to allegations of sexual violence and drug culture across Tamil Nadu while sharing the stage with alliance leaders, as reported in Dinamalar.
Addressing a public gathering, Premalatha said that across Tamil Nadu there was only one major allegation being raised against “Anna,” referring to Chief Minister M.K. Stalin. She made the remarks in a women-centric meeting, stating that incidents of sexual violence and the prevalence of drug culture were being reported widely across the state.
She said, “Our father Mahatma Gandhi said that true independence is the day when a woman can walk alone even at midnight without fear. Today, similarly across Tamil Nadu, there is only one single allegation against Anna (Stalin). And I am saying this right here at this women’s gathering, wherever you look, there is sexual violence and drug culture. Other than this, what else can be said against this government? Nothing else can be said against this government.”
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Despite the remarks, Premalatha reiterated her support for the alliance, stating that she was standing as a sister alongside “Anna” and functioning as his right hand. She said that, like Rani of Jhansi, she would firmly raise issues concerning women whenever required.
She expressed confidence that measures such as CCTV surveillance and policies ensuring women’s safety and rights would be implemented, and said there should be no doubt about the leadership’s commitment. She added that women are embodiments of Shakti and that their collective strength was unmatched.
Premalatha further stated that all forces had united and that it was a crucial moment to collectively protect Tamil Nadu and its Dravidian legacy. She said that in times of crisis, women across the state would rise like the Rani of Jhansi.
She added that women would take forms like Durga and Velu Nachiyar when needed, and that if Tamil Nadu faced any threat, they would unite in support of “Anna” and the government. She asserted that no force could oppose a united women’s front.
She also said that “Anni Durga” was present at home to protect him, and that across Tamil Nadu, women stood as Durga, Amman, and Shakti. She expressed confidence that nothing would happen to the leader or his government and that the ruling dispensation would return to power with a significant victory.
Premalatha’s remarks, delivered at a joint campaign event attended by Chief Minister Stalin and other alliance leaders, drew attention within political circles, with reactions ranging from surprise to criticism over the phrasing and timing of her comments.
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