Is this the political decorum of the DMK, which calls itself a traditional party? TVK MLA Kanimozhi Santhosh, who has condemned this, has asked whether it is the political culture of DMK leaders to laugh and enjoy insults directed at the Chief Minister.
In a condemnation statement issued by TVK Assembly member Kanimozhi Santhosh of Coimbatore North,
“Is this the political decorum of the DMK, which proudly calls itself a ‘traditional party’? Addressing the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister in the singular on a public stage, criticizing him with derogatory words, and those responsible for stopping it instead laughing and enjoying it are all deserving of strong condemnation.
In particular, when a party worker at a DMK meeting spoke in a disgustingly derogatory manner about the Chief Minister, the fact that it was enjoyed, cheered, and laughed at raises questions about the political decorum that those in public life should uphold. It also raises suspicion as to whether the tendency to address the Chief Minister in the singular is being encouraged by the DMK leadership.
It is deeply distressing that DMK leaders seated on the stage cheer and laugh in delight when hearing such remarks.
Shouldn’t someone serving as the mayor of a municipal corporation uphold dignity and a sense of responsibility in such moments? Shouldn’t they explain to their party workers that when a supporter speaks about someone holding the constitutional office of Chief Minister, at least basic respect must be observed?
There may be political differences; harsh criticism may also be leveled. But can we forget the basic courtesy and political civility that should be observed in public forums? Turning political personal insults and undignified speech into a political celebration is not a good look for a healthy democracy.
Kanimozhi, the daughter of the DMK’s former leader and a Rajya Sabha member, and Chennai Corporation Mayor Priya should clarify their stance on this issue.
In particular, when a volunteer speaks about the Chief Minister in a disgusting manner at such an event, is it the political dignity befitting a municipal mayor to enjoy it, laugh at it, and laugh along at such degrading speech?
What kind of political culture is this traditional party called the DMK trying to teach among the people and the youth by addressing the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu in the singular and celebrating it on stage?
The speech and conduct of political leaders should serve as an example for young people and the general public. Upholding dignity and mutual respect in public forums is the hallmark of political civility. Laughing at derogatory remarks does not improve the quality of political debate; rather, it calls into question the dignity of public life.
Therefore, the DMK, which prides itself on being a traditional party, must first establish the basic courtesy and political civility that should be followed in public life.
Politics is a field for engaging with the people through ideas; it is not a stage for undermining personal dignity.
He said that if the DMK, as the opposition party, engages in such disrespectful acts, the day will soon come when it will be sidelined in the minds of the people.