In a stern warning apparently aimed at the opposition DMK, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay on Monday said personal attacks, double-meaning insults or derogatory language targeting women would not be tolerated and would draw immediate, uncompromising legal consequences.
Vijay was wrapping up the Assembly debate on grants for the Home Department, which he holds, when he launched a broad attack on the DMK while also stressing the need for dignity and restraint in political discourse.
Speaking in the state Assembly, the chief minister recalled the alleged humiliation suffered by late chief minister J Jayalalithaa inside the House and condemned personal attacks amid recent controversies involving women in public life.
In a stern tone, he made direct and indirect references to two prominent women figures -- Jayalalithaa and actor Trisha, who was apparently targeted by the DMK in recent remarks -- to underscore his stance on public decorum and political ethics.
Recalling one of the darkest moments in the history of the House, Vijay referred to the alleged abuse and physical humiliation Jayalalithaa was subjected to inside the Assembly in 1989, when the DMK was in power.
Insisting that such disgraceful political precedents must never be repeated, he said toxic legislative behaviour could not be justified by citing past practices.
Addressing the recent political storm involving Trisha, Vijay issued an indirect but sharp rebuke over personal and vulgar attacks directed at women in public life.
"Under the guise of politics, to those who personally disrespect our people, women or anyone else and speak in a very low and degrading manner, my request is please don't do that. Recently, in Tamil Nadu, it seems as though a river of vulgarity and hatred is continuously flowing. Being abusive about women, making defamatory remarks, and using double-meaning words, is wrong," Vijay said without directly naming anyone.
He stressed that while harsh political criticism was welcome in a democracy, personal attacks on women would never be tolerated.
"I want to tell those who do this just one thing," the chief minister said.
"Women are the main reason behind my political victory. I will not tolerate any abusive language against them. There can be harsh political criticism, but there should not be any defamatory remarks against women. The public is watching every move," he said.
Vijay also explicitly condemned comments involving physical threats, including remarks about "breaking bones", and criticised statements that he said showed disrespect towards the democratic mandate given by the people.
His remarks came weeks after Leader of the Opposition DMK Udhayanidhi Stalin was released on station bail following his arrest over "double-meaning" remarks seen as a reference to actor Trisha while addressing party workers during a protest over the Cauvery issue.
During his reply, Vijay also invoked controversies associated with previous DMK governments, referring to the Sarkaria Commission, the Veeranam water project and alleged irregularities in TASMAC and municipal tenders.
Reflecting on political history, including the Maintenance of Internal Security Act (MISA), he also aligned his governance approach with former chief ministers C N Annadurai, M G Ramachandran and N T Rama Rao.
Quoting celebrated Tamil poet and lyricist Kannadasan, Vijay sought to portray the opposition's conduct in a critical light.
"Speaking lies, taking money, and carrying bags, was what the legendary Tamil poet and lyricist Kannadasan had described the DMK's behaviour," he said, adding that citizens closely watched political conduct and would deliver their verdict during elections.
Vijay outlined a broader vision for public security, saying the progress of a state could not be measured merely through physical infrastructure such as roads and factories, but primarily by the safety and freedom citizens experience in their everyday lives.
He said the police were a foundational pillar for economic growth and social stability and should be a reassuring friend to law-abiding citizens while being a source of fear for lawbreakers.
Law enforcement, he said, would function without political interference and ensure that all citizens were treated equally before the law irrespective of their political affiliation.
The chief minister also said his government welcomed constructive criticism from members of the Assembly as it sought to improve governance.
Reaffirming the government's zero-tolerance approach towards crime, Vijay said 36 people had been arrested in connection with the recent murder of a student in Coimbatore.
He also cautioned against viewing youth crime only through the prism of punishment, pointing to several social factors that could contribute to youngsters getting involved in criminal activities.
These included lack of family support, negative peer pressure, exposure to social media, substance abuse and inadequate awareness of the law.
Blaming the entire student community or labelling youngsters with terms such as "drug culture" was not a sign of strong leadership, Vijay said.
He added that his government would act as a responsible guardian for the youth and implement comprehensive measures to guide students towards a better path.