AIADMK Leader Claims MK Stalin Might Even Give ‘Free Wives’ for Votes”

Former AIADMK minister and Rajya Sabha MP CV Shanmugam has ignited controversy with remarks likening women to government freebies. Speaking at an AIADMK booth committee training session, Shanmugam reportedly said:

"Many announcements will come for the elections. They will provide mixers, grinders, goats, cows for free, and why, they might even give a wife for free to each person."

He further suggested that Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin could make such promises due to his lineage.

DMK Reacts Strongly

Minister Thirumigu Geetha Jeevan responded on DMK's X handle, criticising Shanmugam for "demeaning women." She described his comments as reflecting the "perversity and malice of AIADMK towards women" and highlighted several DMK initiatives aimed at women's empowerment, including:

• Vidiyal Payanam
• Kalaignar Women's Rights Scheme
• Pudhumai Penn Scheme
• Thozhi Hostels for working women
• Programs enhancing loan limits for women's self-help groups

Geetha Jeevan questioned whether Shanmugam would have made such remarks during Jayalalithaa's tenure, pointing out that former Chief Minister Edappadi Palanisamy had not reprimanded him. She also cited past instances where AIADMK leaders reportedly criticised women-focused initiatives, such as dismissing Vidiyal Payanam buses as "lipstick-coated buses" or mocking financial aid for women.

DMK's Stand on Women's Empowerment

The DMK statement underscored that under Stalin's leadership, Tamil Nadu has implemented progressive schemes promoting women's economic independence and participation in education. The party asserted that Shanmugam's derogatory comments reflect AIADMK's opposition to these initiatives.

The controversy highlights ongoing political tensions in Tamil Nadu over women's rights and government empowerment schemes, while the DMK reaffirms its commitment to enhancing women's social and economic status through targeted programs.