Kallakurichi: Social justice minister Vanni Arasu said the VCK will always stand firmly on the side of victims and justice. Speaking to reporters after participating in the Children’s Day celebrations on Friday at Ulundurpet in Kallakurichi district, the minister strongly condemned the circulation of defamatory rumours and character assassination targeting women officials in public administration.He emphasised that attempting to spread slander or question the character of women in public service is an unacceptable attempt to hinder them from performing their duties.“VCK will always stand firmly on the side of victims and justice,” he said when questioned about the ongoing controversy surrounding TVK MLA C Arul Vignesh allegedly sending obscene messages to Kallakurichi district collector J E Padmaja and visiting her residence in an inebriated condition.He said Padmaja is an honest and upright official, who acts strictly in accordance with the law. Lauding her administrative integrity, the minister stated that Padmaja discharges her duties impartially, remaining completely uninfluenced by pressures from either the ruling party or the opposition.Vignesh conspicuously skipped the event, even as senior dignitaries, including Vanni Arasu and Padmaja, participated in the event. Though Vignesh denied the charges, dismissing them as rumours, Padmaja neither denied nor acknowledged them. Vignesh accused the opposition parties of engaging in ‘dirty politics’ and attempting to defame him and tarnish the party’s image.
