‘Girls in North India…’: DMK MP Dayanidhi Maran’s remarks on girls spark controversy

DMK MP Dayanidhi Maran triggered a political and social debate on Tuesday after he claimed that girls in many northern states are often expected to stay at home and do household work, while Tamil Nadu encourages girls to study and build careers. He made the remarks while addressing students at Quaid-E-Millath Government College for Women, where the state government also distributed laptops to final-year students.

The event highlighted Tamil Nadu’s focus on girls’ education, the Dravidian model of governance, and the government’s push to use technology as a learning tool rather than for entertainment.

‘Tamil Nadu is the best state,’ says Maran

While speaking to students, Maran praised Tamil Nadu and Chief Minister MK Stalin, linking the state’s education policies to Dravidian ideology.


"It's Tamil Nadu, the best state in India, and MK Stalin is the best Chief Minister among Indian states. This is a Dravidian model government, and it was our Periyar who ignited Dravidianism in our state. He emphasised that girls should study, and our CM is working based on his principles," Maran said.

He also contrasted Tamil Nadu’s approach with what he described as attitudes in northern states.

"Our girl students should be proud, and we are proud of them. That's why we want girls' children to study. In North Indian states, they ask girl children not to go to a job, ask them to stay inside their house and do housework holds but we wanted our girl children to study," he said.

Laptops distributed under Ulagam Ungal Kaiyil scheme

In a separate event, Tamil Nadu Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin also referred to social reformer Periyar’s views on women’s education and urged students to use the government-distributed laptops wisely.

"Periyar once said that vessels should be taken away from girls and books should be given instead. Today, our CM is not only giving laptops to girl students but is emphasising the importance of their education. Girls need to be educated, and our government is committed to this cause. I urge you to use these laptops primarily for your studies, not just for YouTube, Reels, or social media. Everything provided to girl children should be used effectively. My wish for you is that you achieve even more than men in your fields of endeavour," he said.

The event combined celebration and controversy, as praise for Tamil Nadu’s education model came alongside remarks that have now sparked wider debate beyond the college campus.

(Inputs from PTI and ANI)