‘I want Nayanthara’: AIADMK MP drags actress’s name to ridicule Tamil Nadu CM, stokes controversy

Chennai: AIADMK MP C Ve Shanmugam triggered widespread backlash on Tuesday after referencing actress Nayanthara while mocking Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin’s “Tell us your dream” initiative. The comment drew sharp criticism from political leaders, film associations, and the public.

Speaking at the party’s protest against the DMK government in Villupuram, roughly 150 km from Chennai, Shanmugam, a former minister, asked: “I want Nayanthara, will you fulfil? Will the Chief Minister fulfil someone's dream to marry Nayanthara?”

The MP targeted the CM’s scheme, launched towards the end of his five-year tenure to solicit public feedback on development projects, questioning Stalin’s performance over the past term.

Politicians condemn MP’s remarks

Shanmugam later claimed his comment was a “mistake” and insisted there was no “malicious intent.” The AIADMK, however, officially distanced itself from the statement.

The MP has a history of controversial comments. Previously, he suggested that the Chief Minister might announce a wife for free as part of his election promises.

DMK deputy general secretary Kanimozhi criticised Shanmugam on 'X', saying: “The AIADMK has never had any political culture or basic morality. Therefore, it is futile to expect the Leader of the Opposition to take action against the disgusting speech of this person from his party who routinely degrades women.”

DMK spokesperson Saravanan Annadurai added: “It is a disgusting statement made by a repeat offender C Ve Shanmugam. This is not the first time he has made such derogatory comments concerning women. Edappadi K Palaniswami should take action against him.”

Former CPI(M) legislator K Balabharathi demanded immediate action from the Election Commission. Congress MP Jothimani from Karur condemned the remarks, calling them “blatant and obscene” and urged police to register a case. She said: “It is not acceptable to speak in bad light of a woman who is successful in the film industry, a wife of another, a mother of two children, who has gone through various struggles and continues to travel. It is also wrong according to law.”

Film fraternity demands apology

The South Indian Film Artistes Association labelled Shanmugam’s comments “derogatory and shameful,” criticising the MP for abandoning parliamentary decorum. The association demanded he refrain from disrespectful remarks against women and asked whether the AIADMK approved such behaviour, highlighting the party’s legacy under late Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa.

Calling for responsible political discourse, the association demanded a public apology and asserted the film fraternity stood united in defending women’s dignity.