Congress MP Jothimani Condemns BJP Leader's Alleged Derogatory Remarks
Congress MP Jothimani on Tuesday strongly criticized alleged remarks made by Karur BJP district president V V Senthil Nathan against her, stating that he views her as "just a woman, a body, a sexual object." The Karur Town Police have registered a case against Senthil Nathan over the remarks, which were reportedly made during a protest held on February 10 in front of the Head Post Office in Karur by the BJP women's wing.
Protest Context and Police Action
The demonstration was organized to condemn what party leaders described as injustices against women under the "lawless DMK regime." It was attended by BJP state secretary Amar Prasad Reddy, former MP Karvendhan, and more than 300 party workers. According to police reports, during his speech, "District President Nathan allegedly made indecent and derogatory remarks about Karur Member of Parliament Jothi Mani, in a manner said to be insulting to womanhood and intended to disturb public peace," as quoted by ANI.
Based on a complaint lodged by Karur District Congress President Ramesh, the Karur Town Police have registered a case against BJP District President Senthil Nathan under five sections of the law. The police confirmed that legal proceedings are underway following the formal complaint.
Jothimani's Strong Response
Calling Senthil Nathan's remarks a reflection of what BJP and RSS have taught him, Jothimani told ANI, "These are very disgusting and obscene remarks against me. It is the worst form of abuse. No woman should have to go through something like this. I was shocked." She elaborated further, emphasizing the broader implications of such statements.
"According to this person's worldview, my knowledge, merit, hard work, commitment, and ideology are nothing. I am just a woman, a body, a sexual object. This is what the RSS and BJP taught him. His statements reflect his party's ideologies and thought processes. This has been used as a weapon against all those women who speak their mind fearlessly, who speak truth to power, and refuse to be silent," she added, highlighting the systemic nature of the issue.
Political Reactions and Broader Implications
Congress MP Manickam Tagore also issued a statement on X condemning the remarks and demanding action against the BJP functionary. "This is not an isolated outburst — it reflects the toxic RSS-BJP mindset that normalises misogyny and personal attacks on women in public life. When such language is repeatedly used by party functionaries — from the State President yesterday to the District President today in 'New India' — the silence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi becomes telling," he stated.
The incident has sparked significant political debate, with many calling for stricter accountability and measures to protect women in politics from such derogatory attacks. The case registered by police underscores the legal ramifications of such behavior, while the public outcry highlights growing concerns about gender-based harassment in political discourse.
