One such incident, which has gained mythical reverence over time, occurred on March 25, 1989. During a tumultuous session in the Tamil Nadu Assembly, Jayalalithaa, the Leader of the Opposition and the first woman to occupy that post, was subjected to physical assault and humiliation. What began as a heated verbal exchange escalated when violence broke out between members of her party and MLAs from Karunanidhi’s DMK.
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The confrontation took a disgraceful turn when the loose end of her saree was forcefully pulled out, leaving her humiliated before the assembly. Adding to the insult, Karunanidhi, then-Chief Minister, resorted to name-calling, branding her with harsh words.
But Jayalalithaa’s response was nothing short of extraordinary. Instead of succumbing to humiliation, she walked out of the assembly with a fiery vow: She would never return unless she did so as the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu.
Her words were not just an outburst of emotion but a declaration of purpose. Two years later, her determination paid off when she emerged victorious, throwing Karunanidhi off the chief minister's seat and claiming the position for herself.
The 'torn saree' incident became a turning point in Jayalalithaa’s political journey, demonstrating her resilience, courage, and relentless pursuit of justice. It stands as a testament to her unwavering strength as a leader who overcame challenges and emerged stronger, leaving behind an inspiring legacy for generations to come.
Source : PolitiX-i , The Print , Firstpost