DMK leader MK Stalin is seen slapping a passenger in Chennai Metro on Wednesday
Chennai:
Despite evidence on camera, Tamil Nadu politician MK Stalin has denied slapping a fellow passenger during his ride on the new Chennai Metro on Wednesday. The DMK leader and son of former Chief Minister M Karunanidhi is seen backhanding the passenger in a video that is in wide circulation.
The man at the receiving end looks bewildered. Mr Stalin's office has said that he was only asking the man - who had been trying to edge closer to the politician - to get away from woman passengers, and "inadvertently touched him" due to a train jolt.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Jayalalithaa is not buying it. She has attacked the DMK leader for conduct unbecoming a lawmaker.
"Stalin's behavior doesn't augur well as an MLA. All are equal in public places. Nobody is inferior. Stalin should maintain dignity," she said in a statement.
Mr Stalin shot back: "Jayalalithaa did not attend the launch of the metro. To deflect attention, she is accusing me of slapping a passenger."
The DMK leader has received strong support from former party colleague Khushbu, who is currently the Congress spokesperson. "It is not a slap. It's just a flick on the cheek. Only a portion of the video is being circulated and has gone viral. It is a conspiracy to spoil the image of Stalin. He never reacts like that unless he is pushed," Ms Khushbu said, insisting that the "whole video" must be seen for a correct assessment.
The Chennai Metro was flagged off by the Chief Minister on Monday. Mr Stalin took a ride on the train along with his supporters on Wednesday afternoon. DMDK leader Vijayakant, the opposition Leader in the Tamil Nadu Assembly, also traveled on the Metro.
The man at the receiving end looks bewildered. Mr Stalin's office has said that he was only asking the man - who had been trying to edge closer to the politician - to get away from woman passengers, and "inadvertently touched him" due to a train jolt.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Jayalalithaa is not buying it. She has attacked the DMK leader for conduct unbecoming a lawmaker.
"Stalin's behavior doesn't augur well as an MLA. All are equal in public places. Nobody is inferior. Stalin should maintain dignity," she said in a statement.
Mr Stalin shot back: "Jayalalithaa did not attend the launch of the metro. To deflect attention, she is accusing me of slapping a passenger."
The DMK leader has received strong support from former party colleague Khushbu, who is currently the Congress spokesperson. "It is not a slap. It's just a flick on the cheek. Only a portion of the video is being circulated and has gone viral. It is a conspiracy to spoil the image of Stalin. He never reacts like that unless he is pushed," Ms Khushbu said, insisting that the "whole video" must be seen for a correct assessment.
The Chennai Metro was flagged off by the Chief Minister on Monday. Mr Stalin took a ride on the train along with his supporters on Wednesday afternoon. DMDK leader Vijayakant, the opposition Leader in the Tamil Nadu Assembly, also traveled on the Metro.
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