Tamil Nadu minister hits back at 'misogynistic' trolling
What's the story
Tamil Nadu Minister S Keerthana has slammed the "misogyny" behind a political row over a video of a woman in a black dress, misidentified as her. The video, which showed the woman stepping out of a car in a short black dress, was widely shared on social media with several users questioning if it was Keerthana. Reportedly, the footage drew criticism online.
Identity clarification
Woman in video not me: Keerthana
Responding to the backlash, Keerthana clarified that the woman in the video was not her.
However, she questioned why it should matter even if it was.
"For the record: the woman in that video is not me. But even if it were, why should it matter?" she wrote on X (formerly Twitter), criticizing the "regressive mindset" behind such trolling.
Political criticism
Keerthana slams 'political hysteria'
In her post, Keerthana slammed the "political hysteria" over a woman going about her day.
She indirectly took a dig at the opposition Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), saying such behavior shows a "fragile, regressive mindset."
The minister also defended women's dignity and slammed what she called a "public trial" over clothes or appearance.
Apology issued
Minister apologizes to woman in video
Keerthana also apologized to the woman in the video, who was dragged into the controversy due to a passing resemblance. She praised her looks and urged her to "keep living on your own terms."
The minister's remarks come amid rising tensions between her party and DMK over issues of women's dignity and rights.
Twitter Post
Keerthana's post on X
The fact that a video of a woman simply going about her day can spark political hysteria tells you everything about the fragile, regressive mindset behind it. But I’m not surprised! What else can you expect from followers of a leader with a track record of deeply derogatory…
— Virudhai Magal Keerthana (@Keerthana4VNR) August 23, 2026
Criticism condemned
DMK leader trashes online trolling
DMK leader and former MLA TRB Rajaa also condemned the online criticism against Keerthana.
He said "nothing justifies misogyny" and stressed that his party stands for women's dignity, rights, and freedom.
Rajaa was "absolutely disgusted" to see people degrading women over their choices.
He added that actions crossing the line of decency would not be tolerated, and DMK's IT wing would bring these to the attention of the party's legal department.