In a statement, Mr. Thirumavalavan criticised the Chief Minister’s body language, which he said appeared to mock DMK president M.K. Stalin's appearance.
“Under no circumstances is it civilised to belittle or hurt a person’s sense of self-respect. Political criticism directed at an individual is one thing; criticism that personally wounds an individual’s self-respect is another. An approach that hurts even an ordinary person who does not possess the advantages of education, economic means or authority can never be acceptable,” he said.
He also said that the Chief Minister must take greater care as he holds an office of immense dignity and responsibility.
Mr. Thirumavalavan said, “Following the Chief Minister’s reply, the DMK, on the next day, requested that certain portions of the Chief Minister’s speech be expunged from the Assembly records. During the discussion, the Law Minister intervened and made a statement that constituted a historical error. The nature of the state terror unleashed during the MISA period is well known across the country. It is condemnable that a completely erroneous statement was placed on record regarding the DMK president, who was subjected to that brutal repression. We urge the Hon’ble Minister to announce that he is withdrawing the statement.”