Tamil Nadu Minister C.T.R. Nirmal Kumar on Saturday accused Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) leaders of making derogatory remarks against women during campaigning for the Dharapuram Assembly bypoll. He alleged that comments made by DMK president M.K. Stalin and his son, Udhayanidhi Stalin, during recent campaigning had revealed what he described as the party leadership’s “true character”. The Dharapuram bypoll is scheduled for October 6.

Nirmal Kumar, speaking to reporters in Coimbatore, alleged that the remarks were directed at people including a woman candidate and described them as inappropriate and offensive. He claimed that the DMK leadership was using such language because it had little positive to offer voters during the campaign. The minister also alleged that Stalin and Udhayanidhi had lost their restraint while campaigning and said the comments were intended to attract attention. These claims were made by Nirmal Kumar and have not been independently established.

The controversy centres on remarks allegedly made during campaigning for the Dharapuram constituency, where former AIADMK MLA P. Sathyabama is contesting as a Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) candidate. Reports said Stalin criticised Sathyabama after she switched political affiliations, with TVK leaders accusing him of making a body-shaming remark about her. Nirmal Kumar condemned the alleged comments and said his party would approach the Election Commission of India with a complaint.

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Nirmal Kumar also criticised the DMK’s political campaign more broadly, alleging that the party’s influence was declining. He said voters would deliver a decisive verdict against the DMK in the Dharapuram bypoll. Such statements are part of the ongoing campaign rhetoric ahead of the October 6 contest, and no election outcome can be established before voting and the subsequent counting process.

The minister further described the DMK as a “harmful force” to society and accused its leaders of repeatedly using language that he said demeaned women. He also targeted the AIADMK, claiming that the party was experiencing political difficulties under its general secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami. His remarks came as the TVK-led government and rival parties intensified campaigning in Dharapuram and Madurantakam, the two Tamil Nadu constituencies scheduled for bypolls.

The Dharapuram contest has emerged as a closely watched political battle involving the TVK, DMK and AIADMK. Nirmal Kumar said the TVK would take its complaint over the alleged remarks to the Election Commission. The DMK has not been quoted in the available reports as responding specifically to Nirmal Kumar’s latest allegations. The Election Commission’s response, if any complaint is filed, will determine whether any further action is warranted regarding the campaign remarks.

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