Neither the DMK leadership nor its cadres seem to show the slightest remorse when it comes to making distasteful remarks about women in public. This, even after the recent episode where DMK Forest Minister K. Ponmudy was stripped of his position following his derogatory comments targeting women.
Now, in yet another embarrassment, Surya Vetrikondan—who claims to be the DMK’s senior legal advisor and spokesperson—has stirred fresh controversy during a Tamil prime-time debate by using vulgar double-meaning language. While trying to defend the DMK against anti-incumbency claims, he resorted to crass insinuations about women that were not only inappropriate but also deliberate, even after the host cautioned him.
Surya Vetrikondan commented, “They keep talking about high anti-incumbency—Sir, the ‘aunties’ are doing just fine. The ‘aunties’ have been corrected and properly…,” said with clear innuendo. Host Hariharan immediately intervened and said, “Speak with caution, brother,”
But Surya doubled down and said, “Sir, I’m telling you, sir, there is no problem with anti-incumbency, as the aunties are perfectly have decided that there is no one to protect women except the DMK and all the aunties are absolutely al right. You all do not worry; if you have the courage and the guts, go and stand up to them and respond to that statement.”
His remarks, clearly laced with double meanings, have drawn widespread criticism, further exposing the party’s ongoing problem with sexist rhetoric and its unwillingness to take accountability in public discourse and its approach to gender sensitivity.
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