DMK MP A Raja booked for alleged vulgar comments against Tamil Nadu CM

AIADMK ally BJP had also hit out at Raja for his comments, with Union Minister Smriti Irani alleging 'DMK is such a political party that does not respect women'

Former Union Telecom Minister and DMK leader A Raja was on Sunday booked by the Central Crime Branch (CCB) of Chennai City Police for his “derogatory speech” against Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami and his mother.

Sources in the CCB said that a case under three sections of IPC was booked against Raja based on videos of his speech circulating on social media. The action by the police came as AIADMK workers burnt effigies of Raja in various places for his speech against Palaniswami.

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The speech, which was derogatory in nature, went viral on social media prompting DMK chief M K Stalin to appeal to his party leaders to ensure that their speeches are made in a dignified manner. Raja, in his response, said he never meant to disrespect Palaniswami or his mother but was only making a comparison on the political growth of the Chief Minister and Stalin.

Meanwhile, Palaniswami turned emotional at an election rally near Chennai on Sunday while referring to Raja's speech. “They have made derogatory remarks against my mother. It is not about my mother alone, it is about women in general. If this is how they respect women, what will happen to women if DMK comes to power,” he said.