Maran’s north-south jibe sparks row over Tamil Nadu women’s uplift

Chennai woke up to a political flare as DMK MP Dayanidhi Maran’s remarks on Tamil Nadu’s empowerment of women versus northern states ignited a row. He spoke at Quaid-E-Millath Government College for Women in the city, where the government distributed free laptops to college students as part of a scheme, an effort hailed by the DMK leadership as a step toward social justice.

Maran argued that Tamil Nadu prioritises education and career opportunities for girls, contrasting this with claims that some northern states encourage daughters to stay at home, bear children, and focus on Hindi rather than English. He suggested that such approaches contribute to unemployment and out-migration from other states to Tamil Nadu.

The comments drew a sharp response from the BJP. Vanathi Srinivasan, national president of the BJP’s Mahila Morcha, accused the DMK of trying to divide north and south and cited joblessness among youths from Maran’s own district. She pointed out that many youngsters in his home district lack jobs and have migrated abroad, arguing that the rhetoric broadens regional tensions instead of addressing real issues.

Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin attended the event, underscoring the government's emphasis on education over social media and reiterating commitments to empower women through learning and career opportunities. The laptop distribution to around 900 students was highlighted as tangible proof of Tamil Nadu’s model.

As the campaign season intensifies, the north-south discourse over language, education, and women’s roles in society remains a potent political instrument. Tamil Nadu’s critics accuse the DMK of divisive rhetoric, while supporters argue the state’s approach demonstrates a practical path to upliftment.

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