During a rally in Dharapuram, MK Stalin delivered a scathing comment targeting TVK candidate Sathyabhama, calling her a "Somersault Bhama"—a remark that critics say amounts to body‑shaming.
Sathyabhama, who won the seat as an AIADMK nominee in the 2024 assembly elections, resigned and switched allegiance to the ruling Tamil Nadu Vellalar Katchi (TVK) before the by‑poll, a move that has spurred accusations of political horse‑trading.
TVK Health Minister Arun Raj slammed Stalin’s remark as an insult to women and Dalits, demanding a formal apology and threatening to file a legal complaint.
The controversy comes amid claims that the TVK is engaged in "scientific horse‑trading," after six former AIADMK ministers resigned and joined the party within weeks of the elections, raising questions about the legitimacy of the current government’s majority.
The DMK has yet to respond to the backlash, while the state assembly is set to convene on Friday to decide on the by‑poll schedule, a decision that could shape the balance of power in the legislature.