Kangana Ranaut Condemns Character Attacks on Women, Cites Tamil Nadu Row

BJP MP Kangana Ranaut on Monday condemned the practice of attacking women's character to discredit them, calling it an old trope that is not confined to India. She made the remarks while responding to the political controversy in Tamil Nadu involving actor Trisha.

Ranaut referenced alleged derogatory remarks made by Tamil Nadu Leader of Opposition Udhayanidhi Stalin, which have been denied by his party, the DMK. The party claims the comments were edited and misrepresented, and that no name was mentioned.

"You have seen what happened in Tamil Nadu, where a very respected artist and actress was involved in a matter where the relationship was between both parties. However, when it comes to abuses and character assassination, it is always the woman who is targeted," Ranaut told reporters after chairing a district development meeting in Kullu.

The controversy has drawn a response from Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay, who warned in the state Assembly against defamatory remarks targeting women. He said that while harsh political criticism is acceptable, personal attacks or double-meaning insults against women would invite immediate legal consequences.

Ranaut, who has herself faced personal attacks, said the issue is universal. "We all know that this is not limited to India. It exists across the world. Whether a woman is working, successful, a leader, or in a position of power or authority, she is always brought down by attacking her character," she said.

She urged society to introspect on how women are viewed and treated. "So, when will this kind of character assassination of women stop? Somewhere, we need to look within ourselves as a society and ask how we view women and whether we truly respect them or not," she added.