DMK deputy general secretary and Nilgiris MP A. Raja has publicly regretted his recent statements concerning Tamil Nadu Minister C.T.R. Nirmal Kumar, after facing widespread criticism and accusations of making derogatory remarks. The retraction comes after intense scrutiny on social media and from opposing political parties.
Political Controversy Erupts Over Derogatory Statements
According to details received by The Chenab Times, DMK deputy general secretary and Nilgiris MP A. Raja on Sunday, September 13, 2026, issued a statement expressing his regret over remarks allegedly made against Tamil Nadu Minister for Energy Resources and Law, C.T.R. Nirmal Kumar. This retraction followed a significant wave of criticism across social media platforms and from political adversaries.
The controversy originated during statewide protests organized by the DMK on Saturday, September 12, 2026, against the ruling TVK government. The DMK had accused Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay and Minister Nirmal Kumar of insulting the sacrifices of DMK leaders and those imprisoned during the Emergency period. Specifically, Nirmal Kumar had reportedly questioned the circumstances of DMK president M.K. Stalin’s arrest under the Maintenance of Internal Security Act (MISA) during the Emergency in 1976.
In response to Minister Nirmal Kumar’s comments, A. Raja allegedly made remarks questioning Nirmal Kumar’s “paternity” and “identity,” which were widely perceived as personal and derogatory. These statements quickly drew condemnation from various quarters, including leaders from the Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI(M)) and the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK), allies of the DMK.
Widespread Condemnation and Political Backlash
CPI(M) State secretary P. Shanmugam condemned Raja’s remarks, stating it was “unbearable to see some DMK leaders repeatedly speaking in a derogatory manner about women.” He further questioned the DMK president’s stance on such statements.
In his statement on X (formerly Twitter), A. Raja stated, “I regret that, in an emotional impulse, I questioned the identity of the person who repeatedly and deliberately mocked a leader [M.K. Stalin] who was born out of sacrifice, by calling his identity a lie. I have no hesitation in taking back my words.” However, some reports suggested that Raja’s statement maintained a combative tone, with the phrase, “If you do not mend your ways, you will be made to do so.”
The episode has intensified the political confrontation between the ruling TVK and the opposition DMK. TVK ministers and leaders, including HR&CE Minister S. Ramesh, accused the DMK of employing “obscenity, defamatory remarks, abusive language and threats as political weapons.” Ramesh specifically criticized former HR&CE minister P.K. Sekar Babu for resorting to “abusive remarks and threats.” He emphasized that engaging in similar “abusive politics” was not the culture of the TVK, and warned that actions would have consequences.
Tamil Nadu Congress Committee president Manickam Tagore also criticized Raja’s speech, stating that personally insulting a Chief Minister and using abusive language posed a “serious threat to democratic values.” He questioned the DMK leadership’s silence on such instances and stressed that political disagreements should be resolved without personal attacks.
Previous Controversies and Political Climate
This incident is not the first time A. Raja has faced criticism for his statements. In April 2021, the Election Commission of India banned him from campaigning for 48 hours over alleged “obscene” remarks against Chief Minister E. Palaniswamy, which were deemed to be against the “dignity of motherhood of women.”
The current exchange began with DMK protests against alleged body-shaming gestures by Minister Nirmal Kumar against M.K. Stalin during an Assembly speech. Raja’s subsequent remarks shifted the focus from the DMK’s original allegations against the government. While Raja has now withdrawn his words, the political discourse in Tamil Nadu remains charged, with both major Dravidian parties trading barbs.
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The Chenab Times News Desk
