Senior State BJP leaders divided on ‘MeToo’ campaign

However, this has seen the State unit president Tamilisai Soundararajan and Union Minister Pon Radhakrishnan expressing contradicting views on the issue. 

“Recently, several women across the country daringly expressed the sexual harassment incidents that they underwent. The molester, whoever it may be, whatever be the position he holds should not be spared and must be brought to justice,” said Tamilisai. 

However, Union minister Pon Radhakrishnan differed from the views of Tamilisai and said, “The dignity of women should be preserved and there is no second thought about it but when you place charges you must have proof so that the accused is convicted.” 

“If we take the current issue, it seems that anyone can place any allegation on anyone and can throw mud at them. Only the person who has been defamed can experience the pain,” Radhakrishnan said.

The ‘MeToo’ global campaign in social media had picked up pace in India recently as many women working in different professions registered their harrowing experiences. 

However, in Tamil Nadu the campaign picked up pace when singer Chinmayi accused lyricist Vairamuthu of trying to sexually abuse her and many other women. Though Chinmayi garnered support from various quarters, there were some who blamed Chinmayi for placing baseless allegations against Vairamuthu.