“Women can wear what they want”: Agnimitra Paul
Agnimitra Paul spoke about a series of proposed measures aimed at enhancing women’s safety, saying women should have the freedom to wear what they want, eat freely and move without restrictions. She stressed that women should be able to live their lives without fear or social limitations. Speaking on women’s rights and public safety, Paul said the focus should not be on restricting women’s choices, but on strengthening law enforcement and ensuring a secure environment. She emphasized that women must be free to make personal choices and travel safely without intimidation or fear. As part of the proposed initiatives, Paul announced a dedicated women’s helpline number 181 equipped with geolocation tracking technology for faster emergency response. She said the system would help authorities quickly identify the caller’s location and provide immediate assistance during emergencies. Her remarks come amid ongoing discussions in West Bengal over women’s safety, law and order, and emergency response mechanisms. Paul maintained that stronger safety infrastructure and rapid-response systems are essential to ensuring women can move and live freely without fear.
“We oppose Hindutva, not Hindus”: TVK’s Aadhav Arjuna
Aadhav Arjuna elaborated on the ideology of Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam, stating that the party opposes Hindutva and not Hindus. Explaining the party’s vision, Arjuna said TVK stands for equality, social justice and communal harmony. He asserted that the party is committed to eliminating caste-based discrimination and believes in extending equal respect to all religions. His remarks come at a time when debates around religion, identity politics and the influence of Hindutva are intensifying in Tamil Nadu. Arjuna maintained that TVK’s opposition is aimed at divisive political ideologies, while reiterating the party’s respect for Hindu beliefs and traditions. Led by actor-turned-politician Vijay, TVK has increasingly projected itself as a party focused on equality, secular values and governance reforms ahead of key political contests in the state.