AIADMK MP comment: Tamil Nadu saw a fresh political row unfold on Tuesday after an AIADMK leader made a controversial statement involving South-Indian actress Nayanthara during a women safety rally in Villupuram. The statement has gone viral and has drawn flak from political, social and film circles. What was the comment?
The row erupted after C. Ve Shanmugam, a Rajya Sabha MP from the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) made the comment. At a women safety rally in Villupuram, he took a swipe at Tamil Nadu Chief Minister (CM) MK Stalin-launched ‘Tell your dream initiative.’ He said, “I want Nayanthara. Will you fulfill my dream?”[caption id="attachment_1214" align="alignnone" width="1200"]
C. Ve. Shanmugam[/caption]DMK slams Shanmugam
Leaders of the ruling party, Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) condemned the remark, labelling it inappropriate and derogatory. Party’s spokesperson Saravanan Annadurai said the statement was ‘disgusting’ and demanded an apology from Shanmugam. Furthermore, he questioned the opposition’s stance on women’s safety, alleging that such comments undermine their claims. The party also urged AIADMK chief Edapaddi K Palaniswami to launch disciplinary action against Shanmugam.
The remarks come at a time when the state is about to enter the assembly polls. As per the Election Commission of India’s announcement, polling will be held in a single phase on April 23, 2026, and counting has been scheduled for May 4, 2026.
[caption id="attachment_1215" align="alignnone" width="1200"]
AIADMK logo[/caption]State Minister, BJP weigh in too
State Minister S. Regupathy accused the opposition of spreading misinformation regarding women’s safety, while Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) Vanathi Srinivasan countered with allegations of rising crimes against women during DMK’s tenure.
Film body raps Shanmugam, demands apology
Meanwhile, the South Indian Film Artistes Association also condemned Shanmugam’s statements, describing them as shameful and derogatory. The body called for an immediate apology from Shanmugam, and maintained that public representatives must exercise dignity.
Also read: Delhi man gets lifer for sexually assaulting, murdering 11-year-old boy