TN BJP chief Nagendran apologises after facing backlash over Vijay-Trisha remark: 'Made statement by mistake'

Nainar Nagendrana and Vijay

• BJP's Nainar Nagendran apologizes for remarks about Trisha
• Trisha responds legally, urges not to drag her into politics
• Political leaders condemn Nagendran's comments as disrespectful

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Facing mounting criticism over his controversial comments linking actor Trisha Krishnan to a political attack on actor-turned-politician Vijay, Tamil Nadu Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) president Nainar Nagendran on Monday said his remarks were unintended and expressed remorse.

“This was a statement made by mistake. Our all India women’s wing chief Vanathi Srinivasan and Annamalai has spoken to me about this matter. If anyone has been hurt by my statement, I express my heartfelt regrets,” Nagendran said.

The apology followed sharp reactions from political leaders across party lines, as well as a strong response from Trisha through her legal counsel. The controversy erupted at a politically charged moment, with parties stepping up their campaigns ahead of the Assembly elections due before May.

How the controversy began

The episode traces back to Nagendran’s remarks while responding to Vijay’s claim that his party would become a significant challenger in the upcoming elections. Taking aim at Vijay’s political inexperience, the BJP leader made comments that invoked Trisha in a personal context.

“Poor man, he is completely inexperienced. First, he needs to come out of his house. Come out of Trisha’s house first, then something can happen,” Nagendran had said, laughing at the event.

He further mocked the actor’s ambitions, stating that someone “who cannot even climb onto a rooftop is dreaming of climbing to heaven.”

When questioned subsequently, Nagendran initially did not withdraw the statement, saying, “I said it only once.” However, as the backlash intensified, he issued a formal expression of regret.

Trisha responds through legal counsel

The remark drew swift condemnation, particularly for dragging an actress into a political exchange. Trisha shared an official statement on February 16 across her social media platforms, making her position clear.

“Under the instructions from my client, Ms. Trisha Krishnan, a renowned Indian film actress, I am issuing this communique to place on record the following: This is with reference to the distasteful comment about my client which is circulating in the media,” the statement began.

It went on to express disappointment over the nature of the comment. “My client never expected that such distasteful and inappropriate remark would be made by a person holding a high stature in the State’s political space. My client makes it very clear that she is not affiliated with any political party, nor does she intend to be. Further, just as my client had continuously maintained in the past, she has always taken a neutral stand when it comes to politics.”

Clarifying her stance further, the statement said, “My client wishes to be defined only by her craft and not by any alleged political alignment. Further and most importantly, it is common saying that personal lives should never be made the subject of public commentary or discourse, and it is expected that persons holding high positions maintain responsibility and equanimity in public discourse. It is requested that my client’s name not be drawn into matters that do not concern her.”

Accompanying the post, Trisha wrote, “Disrespect should and always will be called out.”

Political reactions intensify

Leaders from the ruling DMK were among the first to criticise the comment, accusing the BJP of disrespecting women. DMK spokesperson TKS Elangovan alleged that the remark reflected the party’s outlook. “They follow Manu Dharma, which never gives respect to women. Naturally, he will speak like that. That is why the people of Tamil Nadu are against the BJP. They will ill-treat women. They are known for it,” he said.

Tamil Nadu Congress Committee chief Selvaperunthagai also questioned the relevance of mentioning Trisha. “It’s shocking. Why is he talking about Trisha? The BJP has a lot of work in the country, yet he is talking about personal lives. It’s not fair. Personal comments should not be made in politics. One must not malign someone with such remarks,” he said.

BJP’s counter

Even as criticism mounted, BJP leader Vijayadharani defended the state president, accusing the DMK of misrepresenting the remarks. “It is the DMK that normally maligns women. When I left the Congress party and joined the BJP, the DMK was persistent in making bad remarks about me. It is the DMK’s usual stance to target women, harass them, and speak very badly about them. Whatever comments by our state president were made in good sense and cannot be twisted. The DMK is purposely distorting them,” she said.

With Nagendran now expressing regret, the episode has nonetheless sharpened political exchanges in Tamil Nadu. As the Assembly elections approach, the controversy has added another flashpoint to the intensifying contest among the BJP, the DMK, and Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam.