Published Mar 17, 2026 | 3:14 PM ⚊ Updated Mar 17, 2026 | 5:04 PM
CV Shanmugam made the crass comment at an AIADMK rally, protesting against the lack of women's safety.
Synopsis: In his enthusiasm to attack DMK supremo and Chief Minister MK Stalin, Shanmugam exposed the misogynist tendencies ruling Indian politics. Ironically, it happened at an NDA rally organised in Villupuram to condemn an alleged lack of safety for women.
Using women as a tool to further political interests is not new in India. AIADMK leader and Rajya Sabha member CV Shanmugam took the same route to take on his political rivals.
In his enthusiasm to attack DMK supremo and Chief Minister MK Stalin, Shanmugam exposed the misogynist tendencies ruling Indian politics. Ironically, it happened at an NDA rally organised in Villupuram, condemning an alleged lack of safety for women, on Tuesday, 17 March.
However, a few hours after making an objectionable comment, the former minister expressed regret over misunderstanding caused by his statement.
Earlier in the forenoon, Shanmugam was on a song till he came up with an analogy to hit Stalin. Referring to former President APJ Abdul Kalam’s call to “dream big,” he criticised the chief minister, asking people to “express your dreams”.
Shanmugam questioning whether Stalin would fulfil personal wishes, including arranging a marriage with actor Nayanthara, if someone expressed such a “dream.
“Abdul Kalam urged us to ‘dream.’ Stalin goes a step further and says, ‘Tell me your dreams.’ He claims that if you voice your dream, he will fulfil it. Well, I want Nayanthara. Will he fulfil this dream?” the 60-year-old MP asked, invoking the name of the actor, almost 20 years his junior.
Other leaders on the dais seemed to be in approval: they laughed.
The AIADMK and BJP have been holding multiple rallies across the state, highlighting women’s safety ahead of the 23 April elections to the state Assembly.
A few hours after making the crass comment, Shanmugam expressed regret. He clarified that his remarks were not made with any inappropriate intention and added that he sincerely regrets the misunderstanding caused by his statement.
Incidentally, BJP’s state president Nainar Nagendran, too, stirred a controversy by linking actor Trisha Krishnan with TVK president Vijay.
Trisha reacted sharply to his comment. As the issue snowballed into a controversy, Nagendran tendered a “full-hearted” apology.
