Tamil Nadu Industries Minister TRB Rajaa stirred controversy after drawing comparisons between the status of women in Tamil Nadu and those in North India. Speaking at an event at Ethiraj College for Women, Rajaa remarked that while Tamil Nadu has made progress in empowering women, in North India, societal perceptions remain unchanged. He claimed that a century ago, Indian women were not considered equals and argued that even today, in many northern states, women are primarily identified by their husband’s occupation, unlike in Tamil Nadu, where women are more often asked about their own work. Rajaa credited this difference to a hundred years of social reform in the state.
His remarks found support from DMK senior leader TKS Elangovan, who linked women’s restricted roles in North India to religious practices and Manusmriti traditions. Elangovan asserted that the DMK government has historically focused on empowering women and dismantling such barriers.
The comments, however, drew backlash from political opponents. BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla accused the DMK of insulting women from Bihar and Uttar Pradesh. Taking to X, he pointed out that this was not an isolated case, referencing earlier remarks by Congress and DMK leaders that disparaged people from Bihar. He also questioned the silence of RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav on the issue.
This controversy is the latest in a string of north-versus-south debates in Tamil Nadu politics. Earlier this year, senior minister Durai Murugan faced criticism after he claimed that North Indian culture allowed for polyandry and polygamy, referencing the Mahabharata’s Draupadi as an example. His comments sparked outrage amid ongoing tensions over cultural differences, the language debate, and concerns about the proposed delimitation exercise.
Together, these statements highlight the recurring friction between Tamil Nadu’s political leadership and narratives concerning North Indian culture, raising questions about the implications of such rhetoric on national unity and political discourse.
