Chennai, October 3, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
The Dharapuram Assembly bypoll campaign has triggered a fresh political controversy after Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) leaders accused DMK president M.K. Stalin of making derogatory remarks about the party’s candidate, P. Sathyabama, during a campaign speech.
Stalin had campaigned in Dharapuram on Friday in support of DMK candidate S. Sukanya. During the address, he referred to nicknames allegedly used for Sathyabama, including “Petti Bama” and “Palti Bama”, and made a remark referring to her appearance while discussing the latter.
TVK leaders have objected to the comments, alleging that Stalin’s remarks amounted to body-shaming and an insult to a woman candidate. The controversy has emerged days before polling in the constituency on October 6.
TVK Minister K.A. Sengottaiyan questioned on X whether such remarks could be considered appropriate election campaigning and demanded an apology from the DMK leader. He argued that political campaigns should focus on issues concerning voters rather than personal remarks directed at women candidates.
Health Minister K.G. Arun Raj also condemned the remarks, accusing Stalin of using humiliating language against Sathyabama and mocking her appearance. He said the party regarded the comments as an attack on the candidate’s dignity.
The remarks have drawn wider criticism from political figures, with the debate focusing on the use of personal comments against candidates during election campaigns.
The DMK has not, so far, issued a response to the criticism in the material available. The controversy comes amid an increasingly intense campaign for the Dharapuram bypoll, where Sathyabama is contesting for the TVK against DMK’s Sukanya and other candidates.
Sathyabama had previously represented Dharapuram as an AIADMK MLA before joining the TVK. The bypoll was necessitated by her resignation from the Assembly seat.
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