TVK Ministers slam DMK chief Stalin over alleged body-shaming of Dharapuram bypoll candidate

Former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin made these remarks during a campaign for DMK candidate S. Suganya in the Dharapuram (SC) constituency on October 2, 2026. | Photo Credit: S. Siva Saravanan

Several Ministers in the TVK-led government have condemned DMK president M.K. Stalin for his alleged body-shaming remarks about TVK’s candidate for the Dharapuram bypoll, P. Sathyabama, and have demanded a public apology from him.

During a Dharapuram campaign in Tiruppur on Friday (October 2, 2026), Mr. Stalin criticised Ms. Sathyabama for switching from AIADMK to TVK, asking “how did she manage to do somersaults with her body?” The remark drew widespread criticism from TVK leaders, who accused him of body-shaming.

Health Minister K.G. Arunraj said Mr. Stalin insulted women, especially from Scheduled Castes, with his body-shaming remarks. He called Mr. Stalin’s comments against political decorum and demanded a public apology.