The ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam in Tamil Nadu on Sunday expelled its platform speaker Sivaji Krishnamurthy for his alleged derogatory remarks on BJP leader Khushbu Sundar. The action came after Khushbu took exception to his "crass comments" and said the National Commission for Women, of which she is a member, will take up the matter by itself.
"Sivaji Krishnamurthy is being dismissed from all party posts, including the primary membership, for violating party discipline and bringing disrepute to it," the DMK said in a statement.
Khushbhu took to Twitter to protest against the DMK leaders's remarks and later addressed a press conference where she broke down and was visibly emotional throughout.
“The crass comments of this habitual offender shows the political culture prevalent in DMK,” she tweeted in the morning. "There are many like him in that rut. Abusing women, passing lewd cheap comments about them goes unchecked and is probably rewarded with more opportunities,” she said.
Addressing DMK leader and Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, Khushbu further said in her tweet: "Will you accept such statements about the women in your family? What you don't realise is that he (Krishnamurthy )not only insults me, but you and a great leader like your father (the late M Karunanidhi). The more space you provide him, the more political space you will lose. Your party is becoming a safe haven for uncouth hooligans. It's such a shame."
Later, addressing the media, Khushbu said she was talking for all the women.
"Don't be afraid. I am there, we (NCW, apparently) are there. I will stand up for you," she said.
Krishnamurthy had earlier stoked a row over his controversial statements about Governor R.N. Ravi and was suspended from the party, before it was revoked after he apologised.
Meanwhile, State BJP chief K. Annamalai called Krishnamurthy a "repeat offender" and demanded action against him.
Amar Prasad Reddy, another BJP leader, has registered a complaint against Krishnamurthy with Tamil Nadu Police over his remarks.