Chennai

Leaders of the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) on Tuesday strongly criticised C. V. Shanmugam of the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) over his controversial remarks about actor Nayanthara, calling them “disgusting” and demanding a public apology.

DMK spokesperson Saravanan Annadurai said the comments were unacceptable and alleged that it was not the first time Shanmugam had made derogatory statements about women.

“It’s a disgusting statement made by C. V. Shanmugam. He has to make a public apology… This is not the first time he has made such derogatory comments concerning women,” he said, urging AIADMK leader Edappadi K. Palaniswami to take action.

DMK MP Thamizhachi Thangapandian also condemned the remarks, saying they lacked political ethics and basic human values.

“It is highly condemnable that a senior leader of AIADMK has spoken in an uncivilised manner without political ethics and basic human compassion. Politics that degrades women and disrespects womanhood will never be acceptable in any era,” she said in a post on social media.

Another DMK leader, T. K. S. Elangovan, termed the remarks reflective of a “cheap mindset” and said such statements should not be made against women under any circumstances.

The controversy stems from remarks made by Shanmugam during a protest in Villupuram district, where leaders of the National Democratic Alliance were criticising the DMK government over law and order issues, including sexual assault cases and drug abuse in Tamil Nadu.

During his speech, Shanmugam made a comment referencing Nayanthara while targeting the state government, which drew sharp criticism from political leaders and the film fraternity.

The South Indian Film Artistes Association also condemned the remarks and wrote to Shanmugam, calling them “derogatory and shameful” and demanding an apology.

In its letter, the association said that as a public representative, Shanmugam was expected to uphold dignity and respect, and urged him to refrain from making such comments about women in the future.

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The controversy has further intensified the political tussle between the DMK and AIADMK ahead of upcoming political developments in the state.