Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay on Monday, September 7, came down heavily on the use of personal attacks and derogatory language against women in politics. Speaking in the Assembly, Vijay said that abusive remarks, double-meaning comments and defamatory statements targeting women would not be tolerated and could lead to strict legal action.
while ending the debate on the demands for grants for the Home department, which is under his charge. He recalled in his speech the alleged humiliation of former Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa inside the Assembly in 1989 when the DMK was in power. That kind of incident should never be repeated, he said, adding bad political practices of the past cannot be used to justify similar behavior today.
Vijay hits back at Stalin’s veiled dig, issues stern warning against personal attack on women
The Chief Minister also appeared to refer to the recent controversy involving a leading female actor though he did not name her. His comments followed a broader discussion about what sort of language is being used against women in public life.
“In the name of politics, my request to those who personally insult our people, women or anyone else and speak in a very low and degrading manner is please don’t do that. It seems a river of vulgarity and hatred is continuously flowing in Tamil Nadu recently. It is wrong to be abusive about women, to make defamatory remarks and to use double-meaning words," said Vijay without naming anyone.
He said strong political criticism was not wrong, as long as it was within limits. But to attack one personally, or to utter defaming comments about women, was out of the question. The chief minister said: “To those who do this I would like to say one thing.
Vijay's comments come weeks after DMK leader and Leader of the Opposition Udhayanidhi Stalin was arrested and later released on station bail over his "double-meaning" remarks which were seen as a reference to actress Trisha. Stalin made the comments while addressing party workers during a protest over Cauvery issue.
Vijay also spoke about the role of women in his political journey and made it clear that he will not remain silent when they are targeted. I will not tolerate any foul language against them. There can be harsh political criticism, but there should not be defamatory remarks against women. "Every move is watched by the public," said Vijay.
He also condemned statements that involved physical threats including “breaking bones”. Vijay said it was a disrespect to the democratic mandate of the people such statements.
Later taking a dig at the DMK, Vijay quoted the late Tamil poet and lyricist Kannadasan while speaking about the opposition's conduct. He also spoke of political events of the past including Maintenance of Internal Security Act or MISA.
“The legendary Tamil poet and lyricist, Kannadasan, has described the DMK’s behavior as speaking lies, taking money and carrying bags,” Vijay said.
Vijay then spoke about Tamil Nadu’s law and order situation
The Chief Minister then turned to law and order and said the progress of Tamil Nadu cannot be measured through roads, factories and other infrastructure alone. A state’s development, he said, should also be measured by how safe and free its people feel in their daily lives.
Police play a vital role in ensuring social stability and promoting economic growth, Vijay said. He said the force should be approachable for law-abiding citizens but also ensure those who break the law face consequences.
“And there will be no political interference in policing and everybody will be treated equally before the law, regardless of their political affiliation,” he said. Meanwhile, Vijay said his government was ready to hear constructive criticism from the Assembly members.
The Chief Minister spoke about crimes involving young people and recalled the recent murder of a student in Coimbatore. "Thirty-six people arrested in connection with the case, he said, repeating his government's zero-tolerance attitude toward crime.
Blaming students alone will not solve the problem, Vijay said. He cited the lack of family support, peer pressure, exposure to social media, substance abuse and limited awareness of the law as some of the reasons that can push youngsters toward crime.
He also said it was wrong to label the whole student community as 'drug culture'. Instead, he said the government would be a responsible guardian and work to help young people choose a better path.
(With inputs from PTI)Also read: