In a purported video shared on social media platforms, the Rajya Sabha MP was seen speaking at an AIADMK booth committee training meeting.
AIADMK Rajya Sabha MP and former Tamil Nadu Minister CV Shanmugam has triggered a row with his controversial comment comparing women to government freebies.
In a purported video shared on social media platforms, the Rajya Sabha MP was seen speaking at an AIADMK booth committee training meeting. He suggested that Stalin, ahead of elections, "may even announce a free wife" as part of populist promises.
In a video that News18 cannot verify, Shanmugam is heard saying, "Even without asking, EPS (when he was Chief Minister) gave Rs 2,500. But Stalin had then demanded Rs 5,000. Did he give after coming to power? No. But now, with elections nearing, he'll give laptop, mini bus, mixer grinder, cattle - or he may even give a wife. He may announce a free wife."
He added that Stalin, being Karunanidhi's son, is capable of making such promises.
DMK Slams AIADMK MP's Remark
The ruling DMK government strongly condemned the remark and accused the AIADMK MP of "vulgarising women" and exposing his party's regressive attitude toward women.
Tamil Nadu Social Welfare and Women Empowerment Minister P Geetha Jeevan said that his comment reflected the AIADMK's perversion and cruelty towards women.
She further wondered if he could have made such a "disgusting" remark when former Chief Minister and AIADMK leader J Jayalalithaa was alive.
She highlighted several DMK schemes aimed at women's empowerment, including Vidiyal Payanam, Kalaignar Women's Rights Scheme, Pudhumai Penn Scheme, Thozhi Hostels for working women, and programs to increase loan limits for women's self-help groups and promote women entrepreneurs.
DMK spokesperson TKS Elangovan also hit out at the MP, saying, "CV Shanmugam just blurts whatever he thinks. He is not a political leader. Somehow, he had a good relationship with their leadership. Otherwise, already there was a case against him. There were many accusations, charges against him. But what can we do? Edappadi has no other go. He has to have people like CV Shanmugam to have contact with Delhi. That is why I think he is there. But it is highly condemnable..."