Won't tolerate those insulting women: CM Vijay

CHENNAI: Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay on Monday (September 7) appealed to Opposition parties, including the DMK, to maintain political decency and decorum, while warning those abusing women on social media that the law would take its own course.

Replying to the demands for grants for the Home Department in the Assembly, the Chief Minister appealed to those making derogatory remarks against women to consider them as their mothers and sisters.

Recalling an incident involving former Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa in the Assembly, he said the DMK, which is now in the Opposition, had humiliated her in the past.

“Such incidents should not occur in the future. The TVK-led government has no issues with political comments,” he said.

Attacking the DMK, he said one MLA had stated in the Assembly that he would break someone’s bones, while another politician had said that those who voted against them would not have a proper death.

“For the past 50 years, people have voted for them (DMK). How can they talk like this? Because of this, the question arises of why they should be in politics. We will take only the good things from past incidents. Why should we take the worst and ugly politics? We should maintain political decency and decorum to the fullest extent,” the Chief Minister said.

He said the TVK would not represent an individual identity, but would work for Tamils, Tamil Nadu and the Tamil language.

“The TVK would not be an individual identity. The party and its government would work for Tamils, Tamil Nadu and the Tamil language. We are to be the identity of the eight crore people,” he said.

Defending his style of functioning in the Assembly, Vijay said it was not appropriate for the Chief Minister to intervene during every member’s speech in debates. He termed criticism of his approach as irresponsible and said the speeches he prepared were aimed at the welfare of the people.

“I prepare a speech for the Assembly, and the speech is from my heart for my people. During the debate, ministers' replies to the Opposition are a collective responsibility. It is as usual. But the DMK is thinking that making a mockery of the Chief Minister and ministers is maturity,” he said.

Responding to charges that his government had shelved schemes introduced by the previous DMK government, the Chief Minister said the DMK-led government had abolished schemes introduced by the AIADMK-led government, including Thalikku Thangam, Mini Clinics and free goat and cow distribution schemes.

“The TVK-led government is taking concrete measures to rectify the administrative lapses created by the DMK. But it will take some time,” he said.