Vijay Warns Against Defamatory Remarks on Women

Chennai, September 07, 2026 Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay has urged political leaders to maintain dignity in public discourse, particularly when speaking about women. Addressing the Assembly, Vijay said freedom of speech was a personal right, but stressed that it should be used responsibly. He said political criticism could be harsh, but defamatory or degrading remarks against women should not be tolerated. Vijay's remarks came days after Leader of Opposition Udhayanidhi Stalin allegedly made a double-meaning remark about actor Trisha during a Cauvery protest meeting in August. The DMK has maintained that the comment was maliciously edited and misrepresented. "Before anyone speaks in such a manner, they should think of the women in their own family. Women are the main reason behind my political victory. I will not tolerate any abusive language against women. There can be harsh political criticism, but there should not be any defamatory remarks against women," the Chief Minister said. Vijay also referred to the alleged humiliation of former Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa in the Assembly and criticised the recent use of double- and triple-meaning remarks in political discourse. Udhayanidhi, responding after the Assembly proceedings, accused Vijay of making allegations against the DMK without evidence and claimed that the Opposition was denied an opportunity to respond. "Whatever the Chief Minister said are only allegations, there is no proof. He only made allegations, there is no proof. An allegation must be proven," he said. The exchange has intensified the political confrontation in Tamil Nadu while bringing renewed attention to women's dignity, responsible political speech and the limits of political criticism.