Attacking Women Crosses the Line, Won't Remain Silent: Vijay

Dharapuram:) Lashing out against escalating personal attacks and "crude rhetoric in the state's political discourse", Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay on Sunday issued a "stern warning" to opposition parties against targeting women. He made the remarks during roadshow in bypoll bound Dharapuram in Tiruppur district and alleged DMK leaders were attacking women.

Pointing to recent political speeches targeting women leaders, he said, "I told you earlier if you vote for the DMK and certain others, it amounts to endorsing those who speak obscenely about women and humiliate them in public spaces. I didn't say that just to score political points. Look at what happened the day before yesterday".

He was referring to certain alleged controversial remarks by DMK president M K Stalin against TVK's Dharapuram bypoll candidate P Satyabama. Vijay and his party leaders have described Stalin's criticism as amounting to "body-shaming" the woman candidate.

"What kind of vile speech did he (Stalin) make against our sister, Sathyabama. It was so vulgar that one cannot even bear to listen to it. And is he the only one speaking like this. Every single person he has nurtured and brought up is delivering the exact same cheap rhetoric."

"Speak whatever you want about me. I will take it. But if you dare speak against our sister, or against the mothers, sisters, and daughters of our households, I will not stay quiet. This marks a return to the era of MGR," he said referring to late CM and AIADMK founder M G Ramachandran.

During his roadshow on his preferred customised caravan, the TN CM also interacted with the voters. He also took a bullock cart ride for a short distance.

He also received several gifts, flowers, garlands and party towels during the road show.

On the way, he offered prayers at Moolanur Vanchiamman shrine, where he was accorded traditional temple honours.