BJP's attempt to muzzle criticism is contrary to democratic principles. The DMK always stands for freedom of speech & creative expression

DMK working president M.K. Stalin strongly affirmed on October 21, 2017, that the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam firmly upholds freedom of speech and artistic expression against authoritarian intimidation. Responding to aggressive attempts by Bharatiya Janata Party leaders to silence cinematic criticism regarding central economic policies, Stalin stated that coercive censorship violated fundamental constitutional guarantees. He stressed that a healthy democracy must accommodate diverse perspectives, political commentary, and constructive popular critique without administrative intimidation or political threats.

Stalin observed that cinema in Tamil Nadu had historically served as an impactful cultural vehicle for social awakening, rationalist debate, and democratic dialogue. Great Dravidian leaders, including C.N. Annadurai and M. Karunanidhi, utilized creative writing and cinematic arts to challenge entrenched inequalities and question state power. Attempting to censor motion pictures simply because dialogues highlighted public hardships regarding taxation and healthcare exhibited severe political intolerance.

The DMK leader called upon all progressive democratic forces to resist authoritarian curbs on creative liberty across media and artistic platforms. He reiterated that artists, filmmakers, satirists, and writers must retain unhindered constitutional freedom to reflect societal realities without fearing political harassment or retribution.