In a fiery press conference that laid bare the deepening political tensions in Tamil Nadu, HR&CE Minister S. Ramesh didn’t mince words. He accused the opposition DMK of weaving obscenity and derogatory speech into its very identity—calling it the party’s "DNA." The remarks came hot on the heels of a personal attack launched by a senior DMK leader, igniting fresh controversy in the state’s charged political landscape.

Key facts

  • Minister S. Ramesh accused DMK of habitual use of obscene, derogatory language.
  • Warning issued: strict legal action against disparaging remarks about CM Vijay.
  • Comments followed a personal attack by DMK leader A. Raja on Law Minister R. Nirmal Kumar.
  • Ramesh dismissed AIADMK allegations on crime spike, defended government measures.

A Culture of Condemnation

Ramesh acknowledged the right to protest as fundamental to democracy but drew a hard line at the use of foul language. His tone was one of exasperation mixed with resolve. "Speaking obscenely, derogatorily, and spreading lies is the DNA of the DMK," he stated. "If they didn’t do this, it would be surprising." The minister’s words carried the weight of someone tired of what he sees as a persistent pattern—not just an isolated incident.

Roots and Reactions

He didn’t stop at criticizing rank-and-file members. Ramesh pointed directly at former Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, accusing him of nurturing this culture within the party. "The biggest example of this is his own son," Ramesh charged, alleging that Stalin’s son frequently uses double-meaning remarks and cheap criticisms. The minister’s frustration was palpable, his sentences sharp and direct.

"Strict action will definitely be taken against anyone who speaks degradingly about the Chief Minister, women, or the public."

That promise of legal action wasn’t just a threat—it felt like a pledge. When asked about a former DMK HR&CE minister’s disrespectful language toward CM Vijay, Ramesh’s response was swift and stern: the government would not tolerate it.

Beyond the Mud-Slinging

But the minister also shifted focus to substantive governance issues. Dismissing AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami’s claims of a recent spike in crimes against women, Ramesh argued that the problem was years in the making. He defended the current administration’s efforts, highlighting CM Vijay’s initiatives like the 'Singappen' special task force and a dedicated anti-drug wing. There was a note of pride as he spoke about the government’s work in sports and law and order—a subtle reminder that there’s more to governance than political sparring.