Don’t endorse DMK’s anti-women remarks by voting for it: CM Vijay

Rejects defeat-fear charge over second Dharapuram visit; takes a veiled dig at ‘discreet understanding’ between Dravidian majors

CM Vijay greets the gathering during an election campaign in support of party candidate Maragatham Kumaravel, right, ahead of the Madurantakam Assembly by-election, in Chengalpattu districtPTI

Updated on:

04 Oct 2026, 11:18 am

COIMBATORE: Chief Minister and TVK president C Joseph Vijay wrapped up his high-pitched campaign on Sunday by urging voters to reject the DMK and others in the bypoll, as voting for them would amount to endorsing their derogatory remarks against women.

“I will tolerate criticism directed at me, but I will never remain silent when women are subjected to disrespectful remarks,” Vijay said, referring to alleged body-shaming remarks by DMK president MK Stalin against the party’s candidate for Dharapuram constituency, P Sathyabama.

“Not only him, but those brought up under his leadership have also resorted to similar comments. I did not say this merely for votes,” he said, while making a stopover during his nearly 30 km road show.

Vijay further alleged that the DMK had a long history of making derogatory remarks against women, dating back to the days of former Chief Ministers MG Ramachandran and J Jayalalithaa. “Both leaders stood firm against the DMK and were cautious about aligning with it. But see what is happening today,” he said, in an apparent reference to the present political alignments.

Without naming the AIADMK, Vijay alleged that the DMK and other parties had entered into a discreet understanding. Rejecting the charge that he had returned to Dharapuram for a second campaign visit out of fear of defeat, Vijay said he was not someone who met people only during elections.

Attacking women crosses the line, won't remain silent: TN CM Vijay

“I am not someone who comes to meet people only during elections. I will meet my sonthangal (kin) anytime and as often as possible,” he said.

The actor-turned-politician's 30 km roadshow was marked by a bullock-cart ride and interactions with farmers. At the Five Roads junction, he climbed onto a bullock cart and drove it for a short distance. En route, he got down from his campaign vehicle to pose for photographs with two Kangayam bulls brought to welcome him in Kulathupalayam.

During a visit to a drumstick farm, farmers presented Vijay with a bunch of drumsticks. He also walked along parts of the route, waving to people who had gathered to see him.

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