‘Zero tolerance’: Vijay warns against abusive language towards women amid Udhayanidhi-Trisha row

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay has delivered a sharp, veiled warning to the Leader of the Opposition, Udhayanidhi Stalin, declaring that the law will take its course if women are insulted. Addressing the state assembly on Monday (September 7), the Chief Minister stepped up his criticism following recent controversy surrounding alleged slurs directed at a female actor.

The assembly opened with high drama. DMK members staged protests and chanted slogans to demand discussions on the state's law and order situation. Amid the uproar, Chief Minister Vijay mounted a firm defence of his administration's social policies, introducing a specialized police unit, the "Singappen Special Force," to combat crimes against women.

Stepping up his rhetoric, the Vijay apparently targeted recent political discourse without explicitly naming Stalin. "Women are the main reason behind my political victory. I will not tolerate any abusive language against women," Vijay told the assembly. He emphasised that while robust political debate is acceptable, defamatory remarks against women cross a red line. He urged public figures to reflect on the women in their own families before speaking in such a manner.

"People are watching some speaking in double meaning. I just want to say that we all have women as sisters and mothers in our home... So if women are insulted, the law will take its action," he said.

The chief minister said his government has "zero tolerance towards corruption" and outlined measures to curb the drug menace and prevent crimes against women and children in the state.

"We have zero tolerance towards corruption. Peer pressure has become a reason for the drug culture in Tamil Nadu. Anti-drug squads have been set up in all 37 districts. Under the NDPS Act, 330 cases were filed in Chennai, and 556 people were arrested in the last three months. There are multiple factors behind crimes against women and children. We intend to prevent crimes even before they happen. This government has formed the Singappen Special Force to prevent crimes against women," he further said.

Row over alleged public slurs

The political feud traces back to an incident in Thanjavur during a Cauvery protest in August. Stalin, who was arrested on and subsequently released on station bail, allegedly made a vulgar, double-meaning remark after supporters chanted the name of actor Trisha during his speech.

Stalin has vehemently denied any wrongdoing. He asserted that his comments were misinterpreted and focused solely on the river dispute. His party, the DMK, maintains the footage was maliciously edited.

Stalin has accused the government of orchestrating a political vendetta. However, the Chief Minister has remained steadfast, insisting his administration maintains zero tolerance for corruption and is determined to prevent offences against women before they occur.