Chennai: Known for his misogynist comments, AIADMK leader and Rajya Sabha MP C Ve Shanmugam sparked fresh controversy on Tuesday with a remark about popular actor Nayanthara, while attempting to criticise Tamil Nadu chief minister M K Stalin’s outreach ahead of the Assembly elections in the state.
Stalin has launched a “tell us your dream” initiative, under which volunteers will visit homes and collect public feedback and suggestions on governance.
In a bid to criticise this scheme, Shanmugam, a former minister, said: “I want Nayanthara, will you fulfil? Will he (M K Stalin) fulfil someone’s dream to marry Nayanthara?”
This remark was made by the Shanmugam MP in the Villupuram district, his home turf, during statewide protests organised by the AIADMK against what it calls a “collapse of governance”, rising crimes against women, and deteriorating law and order under the ruling DMK, as reported by NDTV.
While the AIADMK has not yet reacted to this, the leader’s remark drew sharp criticism from the DMK.
“Criticise our policies, but don’t vulgarise women. By insulting Nayanthara, he has insulted all women. This is unacceptable in a civilised society,” DMK spokesperson Dr Syed Hafeezullah told NDTV, urging the AIADMK to take strict action against the MP.
An AIADMK spokesperson told the channel on condition of anonymity that the party has distanced itself from the remarks.
“It’s not the spokesperson’s role to defend such statements,” he said.
Shanmugam is known for such comments. He had triggered outrage last year after alleging that the chief minister might even “announce a free wife” as part of his poll promises.
