CPI(M) accuses Tamil Nadu CM Vijay of body-shaming Stalin in Assembly

CPI(M) State secretary P. Shanmugam on Monday took strong exception to Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay's remarks in the Assembly about DMK president M.K. Stalin, accusing him of body-shaming the veteran leader over a broken jaw he sustained while detained under the Maintenance of Internal Security Act (MISA) during the Emergency.

In a post on X, Shanmugam said the country is aware of the history of struggles to protect democracy and the repressive measures unleashed during that period. He noted that Stalin was brutally attacked by police and his jaw was broken, calling it condemnable to ridicule him regardless of one's stature. He described the Chief Minister's act as irresponsible.

Shanmugam, whose party extends outside support to the ruling TVK, said Vijay's reply to the demands for grants for the Police and Fire and Rescue Services Departments failed to address questions raised by MLAs. Instead of focusing on public issues, the reply targeted the principal Opposition party, he said.

The CPI(M) leader also said that when democratic organisations are under the scrutiny of the Enforcement Directorate, levelling allegations based on the agency's claims is inappropriate. He added that using the Assembly to eulogise individuals and launch personal attacks goes against parliamentary ethics, and such harsh attacks should be reserved for meetings outside the House. Wasting the time of the Assembly, which runs on taxpayers' money, is unacceptable, he said.