Tamil Nadu AIADMK MP's Controversial "Free Wife" Comment Sparks Political Outrage and Gender Debate

AIADMK MP C Ve Shanmugam (File Photo)

Chennai:

A significant political controversy has erupted following AIADMK MP C Ve Shanmugam's inflammatory remarks directed at Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin.

In circulating footage that NDTV cannot independently authenticate, the former minister is observed addressing party members, insinuating that Stalin might "even announce a free wife" as part of pre-election populist measures.

During his address captured in the video, C Ve Shanmugam states, "Without any requests, EPS (as Chief Minister) provided Rs 2,500. Stalin had demanded Rs 5,000 then. Did he deliver after gaining power? No. Now, with elections approaching, he'll distribute laptops, mini buses, mixies, grinders, cattle - or perhaps even a wife. He might announce a free wife."

This statement has prompted severe backlash from the ruling DMK, which has accused the AIADMK parliamentarian of "vulgarizing women" and revealing his party's backward attitude regarding women's issues.

P Geetha Jeevan, Tamil Nadu's Social Welfare Minister, strongly denounced the comment, stating that C Ve Shanmugam had demeaned women by equating them with election handouts.

She emphasized that the remark "demonstrates the AIADMK's profound disrespect and aggression toward women," further asserting that the MP "lacks fitness not only as a political figure but even as a fundamental human being."

DMK spokesperson Dr Syed Hafeezullah similarly criticized the MP, remarking, "This reveals the AIADMK's mentality even in the 21st century - viewing women as objects to be distributed as freebies. Such thinking is regressive, unacceptable, and contradicts the principles of Periyar and Anna, whose legacies they claim to uphold. This disgraceful behavior will resonate poorly with Tamil Nadu's women. He has insulted women not just in Tamil Nadu but worldwide."

The AIADMK has yet to release an official statement regarding this controversy, which has become particularly embarrassing for a political organization previously led by the late Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa - a prominent female leader.

The comments have also generated significant outrage across social media platforms, with numerous users demanding an apology from the AIADMK MP and questioning the party's reluctance to address the issue.