TVK Ministers slam DMK chief Stalin over alleged body-shaming of Dharapuram bypoll candidate
Ministers in the TVK-led government have demanded an apology from DMK chief M.K. Stalin for alleged body-shaming remarks directed at a female bypoll candidate. The controversy has sparked a debate over political decorum and the treatment of women in public discourse.
Why it matters
The incident underscores the intense political rivalry in Tamil Nadu and the increasing focus on gender-sensitive language in political campaigning.
Several Ministers in the TVK-led government have condemned DMK president M.K. Stalin for his alleged body-shaming remarks about TVK’s candidate for the Dharapuram bypoll, P. Sathyabama, and have demanded a public apology from him.
During a Dharapuram campaign in Tiruppur on Friday (October 2, 2026), Mr. Stalin criticised Ms. Sathyabama for switching from AIADMK to TVK, asking “how did she manage to do somersaults with her body?” The remark drew widespread criticism from TVK leaders, who accused him of body-shaming.
Health Minister K.G. Arunraj said Mr. Stalin insulted women, especially from Scheduled Castes, with his body-shaming remarks. He called Mr. Stalin’s comments against political decorum and demanded a public apology.
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