Coimbatore: State BJP vice-president and actor Khushbu Sundar on Friday said the former chief minister, the late J Jayalalithaa, had set a benchmark for how courageous a woman should be.Campaigning for Vanathi Srinivasan at Venkittapuram and Kovilmedu in Coimbatore North constituency, Khushbu claimed that women’s safety in TN has become a serious concern. “Today, women are afraid to step out. They are forced to carry pepper spray for protection. The state’s culture is turning into a ‘drug culture’. It is alarming to see school and college students falling prey to substance abuse. One wonders where TN is heading,” she said. Khushbu said the remarks made by DMK ministers were derogatory towards women. “They mocked women availing free bus travel and said that the 1,000 entitlement was spent on cosmetics. These comments are insults to women’s dignity,” she said. “Let women’s voices be heard. Jayalalithaa set an example of courage. After her, TN remained safe under Edappadi K Palaniswami. Today, Vanathi Srinivasan represents that same bold voice. With initiatives like 33% reservation, the govt led by Narendra Modi is empowering women to stand on their own feet,” Khushbu said.
