Comments by DMK's MK Stalin regarding TVK nominee Sathyabama, tied to the upcoming Dharapuram by-election, have drawn the two parties into a public disagreement. Speaking at a party rally, Stalin referred to Sathyabama by the nickname "Petti Bama" — a term that some interpreted as suggesting her departure from AIADMK to TVK was motivated by money.
The remarks widened a rift between the two factions, deepening an already strained dynamic. TVK, the party led by TTV Dhinakaran, countered that Stalin had made remarks demeaning to women and had commented on physical appearance in a derogatory manner.
The objections centred on the wording TVK characterised as belittling. TVK representatives argued that Stalin's comments fell outside the bounds of acceptable political discourse.
A number of TVK figures addressed public forums to voice objections to Stalin's remarks, characterising them as an affront to women's dignity. TVK Industries Minister Keerthana characterised the comments as reflecting a deterioration in the standard of political discourse. Her address centred on maintaining women's place in public life, with portions of her remarks also taking aim at terminology she viewed as undermining that standing.
On 6 October, women from Dharapuram were set to release a joint declaration, with Keerthana speaking on their behalf ahead of that date. Arunraj, a fellow TVK minister, told reporters that Stalin's remarks showed a lack of respect toward women, and pledged that the party would work to address such concerns.
Voter sentiment in Dharapuram, as conveyed through those remarks, points to an electorate that holds its political representatives accountable — including on how women are treated within public life.
At the Dharapuram rally, Stalin widened his address to take in the TVK administration's record as a whole since it assumed office, moving beyond any focus on individual figures. He contended that the administration's track record had deteriorated over a span of four months.
Complaints voiced by people who had previously backed TVK — centred on the distance between the party's pre-election commitments and its record in office — were raised by Stalin as an explanation for their dissatisfaction. In remarks directed at the ruling administration, Stalin pointed to what he characterised as a pattern of unfulfilled promises, while also drawing attention to the Chief Minister's background in the film industry before entering politics.
He went further, questioning TVK's standing as a legitimate political organisation — describing it instead as a body serving corporate interests — while positioning his own stance as a demand for greater openness and accountability.
