TN Minister Ramesh Calls Derogatory Speech DMK's 'DNA', Warns of Legal Action

Tamil Nadu Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Minister S. Ramesh on Monday accused the opposition DMK of fostering a culture of obscene and derogatory speech, and warned that the government would take strict legal action against anyone making disparaging remarks about Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay, women or the public.

Speaking to reporters, the Minister said protests and demonstrations are a fundamental democratic right, but condemned the use of foul language at political events. His remarks followed an alleged personal attack by senior DMK leader A. Raja on state Law Minister R. Nirmal Kumar during a DMK agitation a day earlier.

"Speaking obscenely, derogatorily, and spreading lies is the DNA of the DMK. If they didn't do this, it would be surprising. We are continuously opposing this culture," Mr. Ramesh said.

He also criticised former Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, alleging that the party had been nurtured with such a culture. Citing Stalin's son as the foremost example, he claimed the latter regularly makes double-meaning remarks, offers cheap criticism and speaks derogatorily about ministers.

Asked about a former DMK HR&CE minister's use of disrespectful singular terms against the Chief Minister, Mr. Ramesh said such conduct would not be tolerated. "Strict action will definitely be taken against anyone who speaks degradingly about the Chief Minister, women, or the public. When your speech lacks 'Aram' (morality), what qualification do you have to have managed the HR&CE department?" he asked.

The Minister also rejected AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami's allegations of a spike in crimes against women over the past three months. Attributing the law and order situation to previous administrations, he said the present government is addressing systemic issues it inherited.

"Did crimes suddenly spike in these three months? What we are witnessing is the continuation of the law and order deterioration from the past five years. Chief Minister Vijay is taking swift, concrete measures to ensure women's safety by introducing the 'Singappen' special task force and a dedicated anti-drug wing," he said.

Mr. Ramesh further praised the Chief Minister's administrative initiatives, pointing to efforts to raise Tamil Nadu's profile in sports by encouraging local talent to compete at the international level.