Dayanidhi Maran, a four-time DMK Member of Parliament from Chennai Central, has set off a political storm after comments contrasting the social expectations placed on women in northern parts of the country with those in Tamil Nadu, remarks that opponents have described as divisive and stereotypical.Speaking at a laptop distribution programme at the Quaid-e-Millet Government College for Women in Chennai, Maran told students that women in Tamil Nadu were encouraged to pursue education, employment and independence, while those in northern regions were expected to remain at home, manage household duties and raise children. He attributed what he described as Tamil Nadu’s progress on women’s education and empowerment to Dravidian political ideology and welfare policies pursued by the DMK over decades.
The comments, delivered at a public event attended by students, faculty members and officials, spread quickly across social media and television debates, prompting sharp criticism from opposition parties and civil society groups. Leaders from the Bharatiya Janata Party accused Maran of insulting women from other parts of the country and deepening regional divides for political gain. Some critics also questioned the appropriateness of making such remarks at an educational function meant to encourage students.
Maran’s supporters within the DMK defended the substance of his speech, arguing that he was highlighting differences in social indicators such as female literacy, higher education enrolment and workforce participation. They said his remarks reflected long-standing arguments made by Dravidian leaders about social reform, rationalism and gender equality, rather than an attack on women from any region. Senior party figures stressed that Tamil Nadu’s policies on free education, hostel facilities, scholarships and welfare schemes for girls had contributed to measurable outcomes.
Data from national surveys show that Tamil Nadu consistently ranks above the national average on female literacy and enrolment in higher education, while women’s participation in professional courses and public employment is comparatively higher. Successive governments in the state, across party lines, have invested heavily in education infrastructure, mid-day meal schemes, free textbooks, bicycles and laptops, policies often cited as drivers of social mobility. These indicators are frequently used by Dravidian parties to underline their ideological legacy.
However, critics argue that using broad regional comparisons risks reinforcing stereotypes and ignores variations within states. Women’s rights activists pointed out that gender inequality, safety concerns and workforce barriers persist in Tamil Nadu as well, and that progress in women’s empowerment requires addressing issues such as unpaid care work, wage gaps and representation, rather than framing the debate in regional terms.
The controversy has also revived debate over the language and tone used by public representatives. Political analysts note that while regional pride and policy achievements are common themes in Tamil Nadu’s political discourse, remarks that generalise about other regions can draw national scrutiny, particularly when captured on video and circulated widely. Such episodes often escalate beyond their original context, becoming flashpoints in larger ideological battles between regional and national parties.
Maran has not issued a formal apology, but people close to him said his intent was to motivate students by emphasising the importance of education and the opportunities available to them. They added that his speech should be read in the context of a long tradition of Dravidian leaders addressing social inequalities and urging women to break from restrictive norms. The DMK leadership has so far refrained from distancing itself from his remarks, instead reiterating its commitment to women-centric policies.
Within the college, administrators sought to keep the focus on the purpose of the event, which was to distribute laptops to students as part of a state-supported initiative aimed at improving digital access and employability. Faculty members privately acknowledged that the political fallout had overshadowed the academic significance of the programme, though classes and examinations continued as scheduled.