TVK minister Keerthana hits out at 'misogynistic' posts over viral video that falsely identified her
Tamil Nadu Industries Minister S Keerthana has criticised social media posts that falsely identified a woman stepping out of a car in a black dress as her.The minister said the episode reflected a regressive mindset that continues to subject women to scrutiny over their appearance and personal lives.
The video was originally shared by a DMK supporter, who identified himself as an advocate, with the caption "Thozhil Amaichar" (Industries Minister), suggesting the woman in the video was Keerthana. Several others subsequently shared the video without explicitly naming the minister.
In a post on X, Keerthana clarified that the woman in the video was not her, but questioned why it should matter even if she were. She said a video showing a woman "simply going about her day" had been turned into a subject of "political hysteria", which reflected the "fragile, regressive mindset" of those behind the posts.
"Why are a woman's clothes, appearance, or joy still treated as matters for public trial," she asked. Without naming the political affiliation of those who circulated the video, Keerthana said, "I am not surprised! What else can you expect from followers of a leader with a track record of deeply derogatory remarks against women?"
She also questioned why her political adversaries could not challenge the TVK on its policies, governance or track record instead of "manufacturing narratives" around the personal lives of its leaders and their families. "Misogyny is the oldest weapon of those who have nothing substantive to positively contribute," she said in a social media post.
Keerthana had a message for the woman in the video, stating, "You look stunning, and I hope you keep living on your own terms (and loving those highlights)." She apologised to the woman for being dragged into the controversy.
Former minister and DMK IT wing secretary TRB Rajaa backed Keerthana and objected to sarcastic social media posts by some DMK functionaries targeting her. "Absolutely disgusted to see some IDs trying to degrade women and their choices, even dragging in people who have absolutely nothing to do with the matter," he said.
Rejecting the argument that the posts were made in retaliation for past incidents, Rajaa said, "Even if your worst enemy did something wrong, it never gives anyone the right to abuse, demean or throw muck at another person, especially a woman. Nothing justifies misogyny." Issuing a warning to those making such posts, Rajaa said the DMK "stands firmly for women's dignity, rights and freedom". He also asked the DMK legal wing to take note of such matters.
Later, another video went viral in which Keerthana was seen describing the woman in the clip as wearing "ara gora" (scantily attired), drawing flak.
