Minister apologises after comment slammed as sexist

“I am always friendly to the media fraternity. My intention was to avert the political questions and not to hurt the sentiments of any persons,” said the minister. 

When he was emerging from the MLAs meeting held at AIADMK headquarters on Thursday evening, a television journalist asked him questions about the legislators meeting which was held in the backdrop of the meeting held by rebel leader TTV Dinakaran. 

Instead of replying – or declining to comment – the minister said, “Your [spectacles] looks beautiful. You are looking beautiful.” When the reporter said that she wears it every day, and continued to probe him further, he repeated his compliment and continued walking towards his vehicle. Vijaya Baskar was clearly trying to avoid the question, but this landed him in bigger trouble. 

The conversation in which he was heard repeatedly telling the professional that she looked beautiful was caught on tape and was circulated within the media circles. This irked the journalists, especially the women professionals, who flayed Vijaya Baskar, a medical doctor, for the comment. 

“Though I did not intend to hurt anyone’s sentiments, I still feel sorry for the unfortunate incident,” he said, an expression of regret that did not satisfy many.