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From Udhayanidhi Stalin to Azam Khan: Politicians who sparked outrage with 'derogatory' remarks about women
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Udhayanidhi Stalin's alleged double meaning remark for Trisha, Azam Khan on Jaya Prada and more. Revisit times when politicians made remarks targetting women.Udhayanidhi Stalin, Azam Khan and more: Politicians who sparked outrage over remarks on women(PTI)DMK leader and Leader of the Opposition Udhayanidhi Stalin sparked a controversy over his alleged double meaning mark involving actor Trisha. He was arrested and released after a case was filed against him. Although the son of the former Tamil Nadu CM has denied the allegations against his ‘double meaning’ remark, the controversy continues to hit headlines.However, it isn't the first time for a political leader in the country to come under the scanner over remarks involving women, often dubbed ‘sexist’ as well. From Pappu Yadav to Azam Khan, check the list:Mulayam Singh YadavIn 2014, Mulayam Singh Yadav was caught in the middle of nationwide outrage. Addressing a public rally, he questioned the death penalty for rape convicts.Quick answers to key questions•5 QUESTIONSUdhayanidhi Stalin reportedly made a sexist remark during a rally, referencing actress Trisha Krishnan while discussing the Cauvery water issue, which led to accusations of misogyny and a police complaint against him.His comments were interpreted as derogatory and misogynistic, prompting various parties, including the women's wing of the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam, to file a complaint, resulting in his arrest and subsequent release.Political leaders across the spectrum condemned his remarks, labeling them as crass and derogatory, demanding apologies, and calling for accountability from political figures regarding respectful discourse on women.Yes, there is a growing demand for politicians to be held accountable for sexist remarks, as such comments undermine women's dignity and perpetuate misogyny in public discourse.Women's organizations strongly criticized the remarks as sexist and harmful, calling for action against politicians who make derogatory comments about women, highlighting the need for respectful public discourse.Referring to those accused of sexual assault, he said that "boys make mistakes" and argued that they should not be sentenced to death for such "mistakes." The remarks were widely condemned by political leaders, women's rights activists and civil society groups for undermining the seriousness of sexual violence in the country.Azam KhanDuring the 2019 Lok Sabha election campaign, Azam Khan landed in a controversy after making an offensive, personal remark about his rival candidate Jaya Prada.In a public speech, he made a sexually suggestive comment referring to her. His remark drew sharp criticism from political parties. The Election Commission of India termed the remarks a violation of the Model Code of Conduct. He was temporarily banned from campaigning for 72 hours.Digvijaya SinghIn 2013, Digvijaya Singh faced backlash after objectifying Congress leader Meenakshi Natarajan at a public event.Later, Singh asserted that the phrase was in praise, many viewed it as derogatory and sexist. Many also alleged that it reduced women in politics to their appearance rather than her capabilities. The remarks were stronly criticised by women's organisations and opposition parties.Pappu YadavIn April 2026, Pappu Yadav came under fire after claiming that many women advance in politics through sexual favours.The remarks sparked widespread outrage, accusing him of making a derogatory statement that demeaned women in society.The Bihar State Women's Commission took suo motu cognisance and issued him a notice in the matter. Later, Yadav apologised while still insisting that his comments aimed to reflect the exploitation of women in politics.Udhayanidhi StalinOn Monday, Udhayanidhi Stalin created a storm on the internet with his remarks targetting actress Trisha Krishnan who is rumoured to be romantically involved with CM Vijay.At a rally during the Cauvery protest, junior Stalin was interrupted by “Trisha, Trisha” c
The All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) would soon come out with a comprehensive document on the ‘deteriorating condition’ of Muslims in the country. The apex body of Muslim clerics would also launch a nationwide movement against the social and political marginalisation of the community.The Board made the announcement on Monday, a day after a meeting of its executive committee.Briefing reporters on the decisions and deliberations at the meeting, AIMPLB spokesperson SQR Ilyas said the Board reviewed in detail the current situation facing the country and the Muslim community, and took a number of important decisions."These decisions relate in particular to the growing incidents of mob violence or lynching against Muslims in BJP-ruled states; demolition drives targeting Muslim homes and localities, against mosques and madrasas; bulldozer terrorism; attempts to make Vande Mataram compulsory in government functions and schools; implementation of uniform government-aided madrasas; developments concerning the Madhya Pradesh High Court Civil Code in various states; and the recent judgment regarding the Kamal Maula Mosque," Ilyas said.The Executive Committee expressed grave concern over the "rapidly deteriorating situation in BJP-administered states, the country and the Muslim community", he said.The committee stated that Muslims' lives, property, honour and dignity, mosques, madrasas, graveyards, personal law, fundamental rights, and even their faith and beliefs are under continuous attack."We are unhappy with all parties, including the Congress. None of them raises issues of Muslims strongly," Ilyas said, when asked about Rahul Gandhi's reported remarks that if the issue pertains to Muslims, the community be specifically mentioned and not a generalised reference to minorities be made.‘Deteriorating condition of the Muslim community’The Executive Committee decided that a comprehensive document would be prepared and published on the "deteriorating condition of the Muslim community, communal tensions and violations of fundamental rights, so as to awaken the conscience of the people," he said."With regard to the Kamal Maula Mosque case, the Executive Committee expressed deep concern over the Madhya Pradesh High Court's judgment, stating that there were historical evidence, revenue records, and colonial-era official documents. The judgment is contrary to centuries-old Muslim tradition of worship at the site. Furthermore, it is also inconsistent with the spirit of the Places of Worship Act, 1991," Ilyas said.The Executive Committee welcomed the Kamal Maula Mosque Committee's challenge of the judgment in the Supreme Court, and resolved that the AIMPLB would extend every possible assistance to the Mosque Committee in their legal struggle, he said.The Executive Committee declared that attempts to make Vande Mataram compulsory are contrary to Article 25 of the Constitution of India, Ilyas said.The Board welcomed the Calcutta High Court's interim order staying the government directive requiring the singing of Vande Mataram in madrasas, he said.The Executive Committee also expressed serious concern over the ongoing legislative efforts in BJP-ruled states in the name of the Uniform Civil Code (UCC), Ilyas said.The meeting noted that after Uttarakhand and Gujarat, preparations are now underway to implement the UCC in Assam, Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra as well.‘UCC is not a mandatory constitutional command’The Board clarified that the Uniform Civil Code is not a mandatory constitutional command that courts are bound to enforce; rather, it is a non-binding guiding principle included among the Directive Principles of State Policy.The Executive Committee further resolved that, against the social and political marginalisation of Muslims, violation of constitutional norms, the promotion of hatred and hostility, the damage to communal harmony, attacks on life, property, honour and dignity of Muslims and the demolition of mosques and madrasas,
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