‘Misogyny Is The Oldest Weapon’: TVK Minister Breaks Silence After ‘Short Dress’ Video Sparks Political Storm – Delhi News Daily

Last Updated:August 24, 2026, 14:29 IST

The remarks also drew a sharp response from DMK IT wing secretary TRB Rajaa, who condemned the online abuse and said women should not be targeted over their personal choices.

The Sivakasi MLA said the episode reflected a ‘fragile, regressive mindset’.

A social media video has triggered a political controversy in Tamil Nadu after a woman seen stepping out of a car was wrongly identified online as Industries and Investment Promotion Minister S Keerthana.

The woman in the video is not Keerthana, the minister clarified. But instead of limiting her response to the identity claim, Keerthana questioned why a woman’s clothes should become a political issue at all.

The Sivakasi MLA said the episode reflected a “fragile, regressive mindset” and accused those behind the controversy of using a woman’s appearance for political attacks.

“But even if it were, why should it matter? Why are a woman’s clothes, appearance, or joy still treated as matters for public trial?” she said in a post on X.

The controversy began when several social media accounts, reportedly belonging to DMK supporters, circulated the video and questioned whether the woman was Keerthana. The clip, which shows the woman wearing a short black dress, was followed by criticism and online trolling.

Keerthana said such attacks were not surprising and took an indirect dig at the Opposition.

“What else can you expect from followers of a leader with a track record of deeply derogatory remarks against women?” she said.

She also argued that political rivals turn to personal narratives when they do not have enough to challenge the government on its policies or performance.

“Misogyny is the oldest weapon of those who have nothing substantive to positively contribute,” she said.

The minister also apologised to the woman who appears in the video, saying she had been dragged into the controversy only because she looked similar to her.

“I’m sorry. You look stunning, and I hope you keep living on your own terms (and loving those highlights!)” she wrote.

Keerthana Targets DMK, AIADMK

Speaking separately at a public event, Keerthana accused both the DMK and AIADMK of running what she described as false campaigns against women on social media.

“Each Saturday and Sunday their job is to do false campaign… The DMK and AIADMK are defaming women in all way on the internet. The person in the video is not me,” she said.

The remarks drew a response from DMK IT wing secretary TRB Rajaa, who condemned the online abuse and said women should not be targeted over their personal choices.

“Absolutely disgusted to see some IDs trying to degrade women and their choices, even dragging in people who have absolutely nothing to do with the matter,” Rajaa wrote on X.

He said the DMK would not support behaviour that crossed the limits of decency.

“The DMK stands firmly for women’s dignity, rights, and freedom. Any act that crosses the line of decency will never ever be tolerated. Whoever it is,” he said.

The episode has now turned into a political dispute over online trolling, women’s privacy and the use of personal attacks in Tamil Nadu’s political discourse.

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Anushka Vats

Anushka Vats is a Sub-Editor at News18.com with a passion for storytelling and a curiosity that extends beyond the newsroom. She covers both national and international news. For more stories, you can …Read More

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