A gesture made by Tamil Nadu chief minister C Joseph Vijay during his speech in the assembly, in which he targeted Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam president MK Stalin, came under scrutiny on Tuesday after some alliance partners of the ruling Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam strongly objected to it.
During his speech, Vijay made a gesture apparently mocking Stalin over his detention during the Emergency. During the arrest, Stalin had suffered a fractured jaw after being assaulted by police while in custody.
Also read: CM Vijay clarifies row over his ‘body language’ in Tamil Nadu Assembly: ‘Not in any way intentional’
A video of Vijay touching his right jaw in the assembly was widely shared on social media, triggering a controversy and sharp criticism, including from CPI(M) state secretary P Shanmugam. Vijay, however, clarified on Tuesday that the gesture was “unintentional” and had no “ulterior motive” behind it.
Shanmugam said Vijay’s reply did not address questions raised by members on law and order, and other key issues. “During the Emergency, former CM Stalin was assaulted and his jaw was fractured. Body shaming or making derogatory remarks about someone’s appearance is condemnable,” he said.
{{/usCountry}}Shanmugam said Vijay’s reply did not address questions raised by members on law and order, and other key issues. “During the Emergency, former CM Stalin was assaulted and his jaw was fractured. Body shaming or making derogatory remarks about someone’s appearance is condemnable,” he said.
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