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Key Points

Tamil Nadu's Women Empowerment Minister has strongly criticized an AIADMK leader for making offensive comments about women. The minister called the remarks deeply insulting and reflective of a regressive mindset. She highlighted how the DMK government has been implementing progressive schemes for women's advancement. The minister warned that women across Tamil Nadu will respond to these insults in the 2026 assembly elections.

Key Points: Geetha Jeevan Slams AIADMK's Shanmugam for Women Freebie Remark

  • AIADMK MP compared women to free mixies and grinders during election training session
  • Minister invoked late CM Jayalalithaa's intolerance for such vulgar comments
  • DMK government highlighted women empowerment schemes like Kalaignar Mahalir Urimai Thittam
  • Similar derogatory remarks made by BJP and PMK leaders in AIADMK alliance
2 min read

TN Minister slams AIADMK's Shanmugam for 'degrading' remark comparing women to welfare freebies

TN Minister condemns AIADMK MP's comment comparing women to free welfare schemes, calls it deeply insulting and vows electoral consequences in 2026

"This statement reveals Shanmugam's perverse mindset. Even as a human being, he is unfit to make such comments. - P. Geetha Jeevan"

Chennai, Oct 14

Tamil Nadu's Social Welfare and Women Empowerment Minister P. Geetha Jeevan, on Tuesday, criticised the AIADMK Organising Secretary and Rajya Sabha MP C. Ve. Shanmugam for his controversial remark comparing women to free welfare schemes, calling it "deeply insulting and reflective of a regressive mindset".

Shanmugam, while addressing an AIADMK booth committee training session, had reportedly said, "Ahead of elections, several announcements will be made -- mixies, grinders, goats, cows, and even wives will be given free of cost."

Condemning Shanmugam's remark, Geetha Jeevan said that such comments exposed the AIADMK's contempt for women.

"This statement reveals Shanmugam's perverse mindset. Even as a human being, he is unfit to make such comments. Late Chief Minister Jayalalithaa would never have tolerated such vulgarity," she said in a statement.

The Minister added that the DMK government under Chief Minister M.K. Stalin's Dravidian model of governance, had been implementing numerous schemes aimed at women's empowerment and social advancement.

"The AIADMK and its allies are not opposing the DMK -- they are opposing women themselves," she said.

Geetha Jeevan noted that AIADMK leader and former Chief Minister Edappadi K. Palaniswami had earlier mocked the women's free bus travel scheme by calling them "lipstick buses", and said that Shanmugam's remark was in the same misogynistic vein.

"This is the same old AIADMK mindset that trivialises women's dignity," she said.

She also added that similar derogatory remarks had been made earlier by BJP leader Khushbu sundar, PMK's Sowmiya Anbumani, and Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman -- all part of the AIADMK-BJP alliance -- targeting women beneficiaries of welfare schemes.

Listing the DMK government's achievements, the Minister highlighted the Kalaignar Mahalir Urimai Thittam, which she said had significantly improved women's economic and social status.

"Because of these progressive measures, Tamil Nadu now leads the country in women's participation in industries. States like Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Odisha, West Bengal and Puducherry have followed our example," she noted.

Concluding her statement, Geetha Jeevan said, "Women across Tamil Nadu will not forget these repeated insults. They will give a fitting reply to the AIADMK and its allies in the 2026 state Assembly elections."

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
While I agree the comment was inappropriate, let's not make this a political blame game. Both parties have made questionable remarks about women in the past. We need consistent respect for women across all political parties.
S
Sarah B
As someone who has lived in Tamil Nadu for 5 years, I'm shocked by this comment. Tamil women are among the most educated and empowered in India. Such remarks undermine their dignity and the progress made in women's empowerment.
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Arjun K
This is exactly why we need more women in politics! Minister Geetha Jeevan's response was spot on. When Amma (Jayalalithaa) was alive, no one would dare make such comments. Times have changed and politicians need to change too.
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Kavya N
Free bus travel for women has been a game-changer for working women like me. Calling them "lipstick buses" shows how out of touch these politicians are with ground realities. We remember who supports us and who insults us! 💪
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Michael C
While the comment is clearly offensive, I hope this doesn't become just another political controversy that gets forgotten in a week. We need sustained efforts to change political discourse and ensure women's dignity is always respected.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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