Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay has a request: do not make defamatory remarks against women.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay has urged political leaders and the public not to make defamatory or derogatory remarks against women, while stressing that political criticism is legitimate.

Speaking in the Assembly, Vijay said women were a major reason behind his political victory and warned that abusive or obscene remarks against them would not be tolerated.

He said, “My request is that for political reasons, one should not degrade people, women or others,” adding that the law would take action against those making obscene or defamatory comments against women.

Vijay’s remarks came days after Leader of Opposition Udhayanidhi Stalin was accused of making a double-meaning remark about actor Trisha at a Cauvery protest meeting in August. The DMK has denied the allegation, saying the remarks were edited and misrepresented.

Vijay also referred to the alleged humiliation of former Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa in the Assembly and said people were watching those making double- or triple-meaning remarks about women.

Reacting to Vijay’s Assembly speech, Udhayanidhi alleged that the Chief Minister had levelled “baseless” accusations against the DMK without providing evidence. He said the Opposition was not given an opportunity to respond.

“Whatever the Chief Minister said are only allegations; there is no proof. An allegation must be proven,” Udhayanidhi said.