DMK Leader Dayanidhi Maran Criticised for Generalising Women’s Lives in North India

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The Dayanidhi Maran controversy erupted after the DMK MP made remarks comparing women’s lives in North India and Tamil Nadu during an event in Chennai. Addressing students at the Quaid-E-Millath Government College for Women, Maran said, “In North Indian states, they ask girl children not to go for jobs and to stay inside the house and do housework, but here we want our girls to study.”

Praise for DMK and Dravidian Legacy


During the same speech, Maran strongly praised the DMK government and its ideological roots. Calling Tamil Nadu “the best state in India,” he said the current administration was continuing the Dravidian movement’s legacy. Referring to Periyar, Maran stated that the social reformer “laid the foundation for girls’ education” and that the DMK was committed to protecting those principles.

Backlash Over Regional Generalisation


The remarks immediately provoked a backlash from politicians and social media users alike. Opponents maintained that the remarks were too general, unfavourable to North Indian ladies. 

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Several voices pointed out that the literacy rates of women have gone up in a number of northern states. The controversy charged up the discussion about regional stereotypes and the need for political figures to choose their words wisely.

Udhayanidhi Stalin’s Focus on Education


The event was held under the Ulagam Ungal Kaiyil scheme, where deputy chief minister Udhayanidhi Stalin distributed laptops to 900 final-year students. “Once girls complete their education, they contribute significantly to society,” he said. Stalin added, “We are proud of our girl students,” while highlighting the government’s investment of Rs. 2.5 crore for the initiative.

Conclusion: Political Impact and Broader Implications


The Dayanidhi Maran controversy recalls former discussions in which the regional pride and national sensitivity conflicted. The DMK still emphasizes the empowerment of women in Tamil Nadu, but the incident tells us how fast such comments can shift the attention from the benefits of administration to the criticism of politics. The incident underlines why gender discussions now demand nuance, especially in an increasingly connected national conversation.

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