Vijay's TVK goes to EC over MK Stalin's 'suitcase' jibe at bypoll candidate

Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) General Secretary for Election Campaign Management Aadhav Arjuna has filed a complaint with the Chief Electoral Officer of Tamil Nadu against DMK president MK Stalin over alleged derogatory and body-shaming remarks against TVK’s Dharapuram Assembly constituency candidate P Sathyabama.

In the complaint dated October 3, Arjuna alleged that Stalin violated the Model Code of Conduct during an election campaign meeting in Dharapuram on October 2. He said the remarks were widely telecast across visual and social media platforms.

The complaint referred to Stalin’s remarks about Sathyabama’s appearance while referring to names allegedly used for her, including “Petti Bama” (Suitcase Bama) and “Palti Bama” (Somersault Bama). Stalin said he did not know how she managed to perform a somersault “with that kind of appearance”, according to the complaint and the material provided.

Arjuna alleged that the remark ridiculed Sathyabama’s physical appearance and amounted to body-shaming. He argued that the statement did not concern any policy, programme, public record or political position of the candidate, but directly commented on her physical appearance during an election campaign.

The TVK leader further alleged in his complaint that such a personal reference was unrelated to any legitimate issue concerning Sathyabama’s candidature or public record. He cited Section 4 of the Tamil Nadu Prohibition of Harassment of Women Act, 1998, and alleged that the remarks amounted to an offence under the provision.

Arjuna also alleged that body-shaming and vulgar remarks against women had become a regular practice for the DMK, particularly by Stalin and his son Udhayanidhi Stalin. He said the Model Code of Conduct requires political parties and candidates to refrain from language or actions that are repugnant to the honour and dignity of women.

In his complaint, Arjuna requested the Election Commission to immediately cancel Stalin’s star campaigner status and direct the District Returning Officer to lodge an FIR against him under Section 4 of the Tamil Nadu Prohibition of Harassment of Women Act, 1998. He also sought steps to ensure Sathyabama’s “free and fearless participation” in the election campaign. tvk stalin complaint

The complaint comes amid a wider political row in Tamil Nadu over Stalin’s remarks at the Dharapuram campaign meeting. TVK leaders accused the DMK president of crossing the limits of political discourse by commenting on Sathyabama’s appearance and making derogatory remarks about a woman candidate.

TVK Industries Minister Keerthana described Stalin’s remarks as “another low in political discourse” and said derogatory comments about women and attempts to demean their dignity were “absolutely condemnable”. She said the issue concerned the dignity and respect every woman deserves and urged women to stand together in defence of their dignity. Keerthana also said that the women of Dharapuram would speak with a unified voice on October 6.

TVK Minister Arunraj also accused Stalin of using derogatory words against Sathyabama and mocking her appearance. “The people of Dharapuram are watching everything,” Arunraj said, while alleging that Stalin’s remarks showed “disrespect” towards women within the DMK. He added, “This is DMK's DNA.”

The controversy erupted as Stalin launched a broader attack on the TVK government during his Dharapuram campaign. He questioned its performance four months after it came to power and said the government was “deteriorating” within four months. Stalin also claimed that even those who had voted for the party were now lamenting its performance.

“What success do they have to show in four months?” Stalin asked.

He also took a dig at the Chief Minister’s transition from cinema to politics, saying he had stopped acting in films and had started “acting in reels”. Stalin accused the Chief Minister of speaking through shouts rather than addressing issues and challenged him to respond to questions raised by the Opposition.

Stalin further described TVK as “not a political party but a corporate mafia with investment, working and sleeping partners” and questioned the government’s record on its promises.

The Election Commission complaint specifically seeks action over Stalin’s remarks concerning Sathyabama and asks for measures against him under the provisions cited by Arjuna.- Ends