The Hindu : Tamil Nadu / Chennai News : PMK, DPI deny moral policing charge

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Wednesday, Oct 05, 2005

Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu - Chennai

PMK, DPI deny moral policing charge

Special Correspondent

"We are sons of the soil. If we do not raise questions, who else will do it?"

CHENNAI: The Pattali Makkal Katchi and the Dalit Panthers of India on Tuesday denied the charges of male chauvinism, moral policing and instigating the campaign against actress Kushboo for her comments on sexual practices.

Addressing the media, PMK founder S. Ramadoss and DPI general secretary Thol. Thirumavalavan said their organisations were for women's empowerment and keen on ensuring equality for women.

"Protests are spontaneous"

"It was Ms. Kushboo who betrayed the mindset of a male chauvinist by advocating free sex. Women in different places of the State are spontaneously organising protests against her," Mr. Thirumavalavan said.

"Whatever we say is dubbed as parochialism, Tamil fanaticism and chauvinism. Women of Tamil Nadu have been organising the protests on their own as they are worried that such views will damage family relationships," Dr. Ramadoss said.

Though the women's wings of the two parties were also part of the agitating groups, not all protests were conducted at the behest of the DPI and the PMK. As Ms. Kushboo's observations were against public order, the DPI and the PMK were forced to join the debate.

"We are sons of the soil. If we do not raise questions on this issue, who else will do it? We have concern for our society and culture. We have the responsibility of preserving them," Mr. Thirumavalavan said.

Media criticised

Dr. Ramadoss alleged that sections of the media had singled out his party and the DPI on the issue.

"By criticising us, what does the media want to convey? Do they want to spread free sex in the name of new and modern culture?" he asked.

He also charged that the media was attempting to corrupt the youth in its drive to maximise revenue.

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