In North India, girls are asked to do only household chores: DMK MP Dayanidhi Maran sparks row

Mangalore Today News Network

Chennai, January 14, 2026: DMK MP Dayanidhi Maran ignited a political controversy on Tuesday after comparing the status of women in northern states with that of Tamil Nadu.

Speaking at the Quaid-E-Millath Government College for Women in Chennai, Maran said that girls in several northern states are discouraged from pursuing education and careers and are often expected to focus on household chores. In contrast, he praised Tamil Nadu for actively promoting women’s education and empowerment.

“Our girl students should be proud. In North Indian states, girls are often asked not to work and to stay at home, but here, we encourage our girls to study,” he said.

Maran further claimed that northern states do not promote English education and that girls are “kept as slaves.”

“You are told not to study English, and warned that you will be ruined if you do. You will be kept as slaves,” he added.

He attributed unemployment in northern regions to the restriction of education to Hindi, while highlighting Tamil Nadu’s Dravidian model, which he said ensures equal access to education for both girls and boys. According to Maran, this model has contributed to higher literacy rates in the state and greater workforce participation among women.

Praise for Tamil Nadu

Maran also lauded the ruling DMK government, describing Tamil Nadu as the “best state in India.” He said the administration continues to uphold the Dravidian movement’s focus on social justice and women’s education, citing social reformer Periyar’s ideology as the foundation for girls’ education in the state.

Political Backlash

Maran’s remarks drew criticism for their broad generalisations, sparking debate on social media and in political circles.

“I don’t think Dayanidhi Maran has any common sense. This is the problem. I strongly condemn his remarks, and he must apologise to the people of India, especially Hindi speakers, whom he has portrayed as uneducated and uncivilised,” BJP leader Thirupathy Narayanan told news agency ANI.