Row over Dayanidhi Maran’s comments; says 'girls in TN encouraged to study but women in North often told to stay at home'
PTC Web Desk: Chennai witnessed a fresh political controversy after DMK MP Dayanidhi Maran made remarks comparing the lives of women in Tamil Nadu with those in North India, drawing sharp reactions from opposition parties, especially the BJP.
Speaking at an event at Quaid-E-Millath Government College for Women, Maran said girls in Tamil Nadu are encouraged to study and build careers, while women in North India are often asked to stay at home, work in kitchens and focus on child-rearing. His comments were made while addressing students during a government programme.
The four-time MP from Chennai Central said confidence among women in Tamil Nadu comes from education. He told students that carrying a laptop and pursuing higher studies or jobs reflects the progress made by the state. He credited the Dravidian movement and successive DMK governments for creating opportunities for women through education and employment.
Maran also praised Chief Minister MK Stalin, calling Tamil Nadu the best state in the country and said women’s progress is key to the state’s development. According to him, global companies choose Chennai because of its educated workforce, including women who are skilled in both Tamil and English.
The event was attended by Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin, who distributed laptops to students under the Ulagam Ungal Kaiyil scheme. Udhayanidhi highlighted the role of education in empowering women and spoke about the history of the college, which was named by former Chief Minister M Karunanidhi in 1974.
However, Maran’s remarks quickly drew criticism from the BJP. Tamil Nadu BJP spokesperson Narayanan Thirupathy accused the DMK MP of insulting people from North India and called the comments irresponsible. BJP leader Anila Singh also criticised Maran, saying such statements divide the country and ignore the contributions of women leaders from different regions, including President Droupadi Murmu.
The DMK defended Maran, saying his speech was meant to motivate women students. Senior DMK leader TKS Elangovan said women’s empowerment depends on government policies and claimed that Tamil Nadu has consistently worked for women’s education, jobs and reservations in government services.
- With inputs from agencies
