Tamil Nadu Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Minister S. Ramesh on Monday, 14 September levelled a sharp attack on the opposition Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), accusing it of nurturing a political culture characterised by obscene, derogatory, and abusive rhetoric. Speaking to reporters in Tiruchi, Ramesh said the pattern of offensive language was not incidental but deeply embedded in the party's conduct.

What Triggered the Remarks

The minister's remarks came a day after senior DMK leader A. Raja allegedly launched a personal attack on Law Minister R. Nirmal Kumar during a DMK protest. Ramesh acknowledged that protests and demonstrations were fundamental democratic rights, but argued that political leaders must not weaponise such platforms for personal attacks or offensive language.

'Speaking obscenely, making defamatory remarks and spreading falsehoods are part of the DMK's DNA. It would be surprising if its leaders did not use such language. We will continue to oppose this political culture,' Ramesh said.

Allegations Against Stalin and Udhayanidhi

Ramesh also trained his fire on former Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, alleging that Stalin had actively encouraged such behaviour within the DMK. He further alleged that Opposition Leader Udhayanidhi Stalin routinely made double-meaning remarks and levelled cheap, derogatory criticism against sitting ministers. The minister framed these as a systemic failure of leadership within the party.

Warning on Remarks Against the Chief Minister

Responding to a question about a former DMK minister allegedly referring to Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay in a disrespectful manner, Ramesh issued a firm warning. He said the government would initiate strict legal action against anyone making disparaging remarks about the Chief Minister, women, or members of the public. He added that those who had previously held charge of the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department were especially expected to uphold standards of morality and restraint.

Rejecting AIADMK's Law-and-Order Charge

Ramesh also pushed back against AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami's claim that crimes against women had risen sharply in the first three months of the TVK government. He argued that the current law-and-order challenges were a direct consequence of systemic failures during the previous five years under the former administration. 'Even after the rain stops, the wind does not immediately subside. Similarly, the consequences of corruption and administrative failures under the former government continue. We are correcting them and will bring about comprehensive change,' he said.

Notably, the minister cited the launch of the Singappen Special Task Force and the creation of a dedicated anti-drug wing as concrete steps to strengthen women's safety and improve law and order across the state.

Sporting Ambitions and the Way Forward

In a brief departure from political attacks, Ramesh praised Chief Minister Vijay's push to develop Tamil Nadu as a premier sporting destination and foster internationally competitive athletes from the state. With political rhetoric running high ahead of further legislative sessions, the minister's remarks signal that the ruling dispensation intends to keep the opposition on the defensive over its conduct in public discourse.