Tamil Nadu Industries Minister S. Keerthana (TVK) denied being the woman featured in a viral video showing a person in a short dress.
The incident highlights the intersection of gender-based harassment and political warfare in India, where personal attire is often used to discredit female leaders.
Social media users, allegedly including supporters of the DMK and AIADMK parties, circulated the clip and claimed it depicted the minister. Keerthana, who is 29 [1], said the trolling was a product of a "fragile, regressive mindset" [2].
While the minister denied her identity in the footage, she challenged the premise of the attack. "But even if it were, why should it matter?" Keerthana said [2].
Keerthana also expressed regret toward the actual individual in the recording. "I apologise to the woman in the video for being dragged into this controversy," she said [2].
The minister characterized the attempt to use the video as a political tool as an act of misogyny. She said such tactics are designed to shame women in the public eye, a strategy she identified as a recurring pattern in political disputes [2].
“"But even if it were, why should it matter?"”
This incident reflects a broader trend of 'character assassination' targeting women in Indian politics through the weaponization of social media. By framing the controversy as a result of a regressive mindset, Keerthana is attempting to shift the narrative from her personal conduct to a critique of the patriarchal standards used to police women's clothing in professional and political spheres.
