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 the women’s safety in Tamil Nadu 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 Tamil Nadu is heading,” she said. Khushbu said the remarks made by DMK ministers were derogatory towards women. She slammed the comments mocking women availing free bus travel and remarks suggesting that the Rs1,000 entitlement was spent on cosmetics, calling them insults to women’s dignity. “Let women’s voices be heard. Jayalalithaa set an example of courage. After her, Tamil Nadu 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.
