TVK slams DMK chief Stalin over body-shaming jibe at poll candidate

Leaders of the Tamizhaga Vetri Kazhagam (TVK) have condemned remarks made by DMK president M.K. Stalin targeting Dharapuram bypoll candidate Sathyabama, accusing the opposition leader of resorting to body-shaming during political discourse. Stalin's comments, which questioned how the candidate managed political defections, have sparked controversy in Tamil Nadu's political circles.

The incident centers on Sathyabama's decision to shift her political allegiance from the AIADMK to the TVK ahead of the Dharapuram assembly constituency election. Stalin's characterization of her party switch drew immediate backlash from TVK ministers and party functionaries, who argued that such personal attacks have no place in democratic electoral competition.

TVK representatives have called the remarks inappropriate and unseemly for a seasoned political leader, emphasizing that political differences should be debated on policy grounds rather than through personal disparagement. The controversy underscores rising tensions between the DMK and TVK as both parties compete for voter support in Tamil Nadu.

The Dharapuram bypoll has emerged as a significant electoral contest in the state, with multiple parties fielding candidates in what is expected to be a closely contested race. The incident has amplified scrutiny on the nature of political discourse during the campaign period.