“Bear a Child, That’s Your Job”: DMK MP Dayanidhi Maran’s Remarks on North Indian Women Spark Outrage

DMK MP Dayanidhi Maran has triggered a political storm after remarks contrasting the status of women in Tamil Nadu with those in North India during an address at a government women's college in Chennai.

His comments, made while encouraging students to pursue higher education and careers, drew sharp criticism from the BJP, while the DMK moved quickly to defend his intent.

Remarks at women's college spark controversy

Speaking to students at Quaid-E-Millath Government College for Women, Maran stressed confidence through education and technology, particularly for young women entering the workforce or higher studies. In doing so, he drew a comparison that soon became the centre of controversy.

"Our girls ought to be confident and proud with a laptop, whether you attend an interview or pursue postgraduation. That confidence is in Tamil Nadu where we ask girls to study and study. What do they say in the North? Girls? Don't go to work, be at home, be in the kitchen, bear a child, that's your job," he said.

He went on to link women's progress in Tamil Nadu to the Dravidian political legacy and the current state leadership. "No, this is Tamil Nadu, a Dravidian state, the land of Kalaignar, Anna, and MK Stalin. Here, your progress is Tamil Nadu's progress. That's why global companies come to Chennai because everyone here is educated, not just in Tamil, but in English as well. They lead. The government plays a key role in women's progress. We will always get your love and support," Maran said, adding that Tamil Nadu is the best state in India and MK Stalin the country's best Chief Minister.

Udhayanidhi Stalin highlights education initiatives

The event also saw Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin distribute laptops to students under the Ulagam Ungal Kaiyil scheme. Addressing the gathering, he underlined the role of education in social development and recalled the institution's history.

"Today, I am happy to distribute laptops to all of you students. I wish you a very Happy New Year and Pongal. It is often said that once girls complete their education, they contribute significantly to society. We are proud of all our girl students. This educational institute has a rich history. In 1974, Karunanidhi named this college Quaid-E-Millath Government College for Women, opened new buildings, and provided extensive infrastructure," he said.

BJP hits back over 'divisive' comments

Maran's remarks prompted a strong reaction from the BJP, which accused him of insulting people from North India. Narayanan Thirupathy, BJP spokesperson in Tamil Nadu, said, "Once again, Dayanidhi Maran has abused north Indian people. I feel very bad about how these people are allowed to do this, although this is regular from DMK. I don't think Dayanidhi Maran has common sense."

BJP leader Anila Singh also criticised the statement, calling it "unfortunate". "He has forgotten that he lives in Bharat and Bharat worships Shakti. If he thinks that Shakti can be divided into North, South, East and West, he doesn't understand our culture. I want to ask him about what women in the party he has allied with, about Sonia Gandhi or Priyanka Gandhi Vadra or our President Droupadi Murmu. This divisive politics is not going to work," she said.

DMK defends intent, cites women's workforce data

The DMK has defended Maran, arguing that his comments were meant to motivate students and highlight the impact of state policies on women's empowerment. Senior leader TKS Elangovan said progress depended on political will. "It depends on the party that is ruling the state. Now Congress is empowering women. There is no doubt that wherever Congress is ruling, they are doing good work for the education of women. Here in Tamil Nadu, we fought for women and empowered them. We gave them education. We gave them employment. We have also reserved seats in government jobs. We have been working for the advancement of women's rights from the beginning. In the north, there is nobody to fight for the women. That's all," he said.

DMK sources added that the focus should be on outcomes rather than rhetoric. "It's a matter of pride that Tamil Nadu alone accounts for more than 40% of the industrial women workforce in the country. It is in this context that this must be seen," a source said, acknowledging that while the comparison may be debated, "there is a message."