DMK leader MK Stalin is seen slapping a passenger in Chennai Metro on Wednesday
Despite evidence on camera, Tamil Nadu politician MK Stalin has denied slapping a fellow passenger during his ride on the new Chennai Metro on Wednesday. The DMK leader and son of former Chief Minister M Karunanidhi is seen backhanding the passenger in a video that is in wide circulation.
The man at the receiving end looks bewildered. Mr Stalin's office has said that he was only asking the man - who had been trying to edge closer to the politician - to get away from woman passengers, and "inadvertently touched him" due to a train jolt.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Jayalalithaa is not buying it. She has attacked the DMK leader for conduct unbecoming a lawmaker.
"Stalin's behavior doesn't augur well as an MLA. All are equal in public places. Nobody is inferior. Stalin should maintain dignity," she said in a statement.
Mr Stalin shot back: "Jayalalithaa did not attend the launch of the metro. To deflect attention, she is accusing me of slapping a passenger."
The DMK leader has received strong support from former party colleague Khushbu, who is currently the Congress spokesperson. "It is not a slap. It's just a flick on the cheek. Only a portion of the video is being circulated and has gone viral. It is a conspiracy to spoil the image of Stalin. He never reacts like that unless he is pushed," Ms Khushbu said, insisting that the "whole video" must be seen for a correct assessment.
The Chennai Metro was flagged off by the Chief Minister on Monday. Mr Stalin took a ride on the train along with his supporters on Wednesday afternoon. DMDK leader Vijayakant, the opposition Leader in the Tamil Nadu Assembly, also traveled on the Metro.