Archive · 14 Jan 2026
Maran's Remarks Spark Row on Education
DMK MP Dayanidhi Maran said that in Tamil Nadu, both boys and girls are encouraged to study and get jobs.
He praised the state's free laptop scheme, which helps students prepare for higher education and employment.
However, he said that in some northern states, girls are often expected to stay at home, cook, and have children.
The BJP was not happy with his comments and asked him to apologize.
The DMK defended Maran, saying that Tamil Nadu focuses more on women's education and empowerment than northern states.
This has started a big argument between the DMK and the BJP.
DMK MP Dayanidhi Maran criticized Hindi-only education for limiting opportunities and causing migration to southern states.
Maran praised Tamil Nadu's inclusive education model, which focuses on providing equal access to schooling for both boys and girls.
The BJP demanded an apology from Maran, accusing him of portraying Hindi-speaking communities as uneducated and uncivilized.
DMK leader TKS Elangovan defended Maran, highlighting Tamil Nadu's focus on women's education and empowerment.
Official data shows that Tamil Nadu's female literacy rate is higher than several northern states but lower than Himachal Pradesh.
- Who
- DMK MP Dayanidhi Maran, BJP, DMK leader TKS Elangovan
- What
- Controversy over remarks on education and women's empowerment in northern India
- When
- January 14, 2026
- Where
- Quaid-E-Millath Government College for Women, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
- Why
- Maran's remarks about education and empowerment in Tamil Nadu compared to northern India
DMK
BJP
Education Policies
DMK
Criticizes Hindi-only education for limiting opportunities and migration, praises Tamil Nadu's inclusive education model.
BJP
Demands apology, accuses Maran of portraying Hindi-speaking communities as uneducated and uncivilized.
Women's Education
DMK
Highlights Tamil Nadu's focus on women's education and empowerment, citing initiatives like the free laptop scheme.
BJP
Accuses DMK of making derogatory remarks about northern states and their people.
- Speaker
- DMK MP Dayanidhi Maran
- Event
- Remarks on education and women's empowerment
- Location
- Quaid-E-Millath Government College for Women, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
- Date
- January 14, 2026
- BJP's Demand
- Unconditional apology from Maran
- Female Literacy Rate in Tamil Nadu
- 73.44%
- Female Literacy Rate in Uttar Pradesh
- 57.18%
- Female Literacy Rate in Rajasthan
- 52.12%
- Female Literacy Rate in Haryana
- 65.94%
- Female Literacy Rate in Himachal Pradesh
- 75.93%
Sources
'Must Apologise': BJP Slams DMK MP Dayanidhi Maran Over Remarks On Girls In North India
'North Indian Women Told To Stay At Home, Bear Child': DMK MP Sparks Row
'Girls educated in south, kept as slaves in north': DMK MP criticises Hindi-only education
‘North Indian women told to work in kitchen, give birth to children’: Dayanidhi Maran’s remarks draw backlash
Girls in North told to stay in kitchen, bear children: DMK MP Dayanidhi Maran
Girls in North Told to Stay in Kitchen, Bear Children: DMK MP Sparks Row
‘Women in North India told to stay at home, bear kids': DMK MP Dayanidhi Maran sparks row
