Chennai, Jan. 13 -- DMK MP Dayanidhi Maran on Tuesday sparked debate by claiming that in northern states, girls are often expected to stay at home and do household work, while Tamil Nadu encourages girls to study and pursue their careers.

While addressing the students in Quaid-E-Millath Government College for Women, Maran praised Tamil Nadu as the best state in India and lauded Chief Minister MK Stalin.

"It's Tamil Nadu, the best state in India, and MK Stalin is the best Chief Minister among Indian states. This is a Dravidian model government, and it was our Periyar who ignited Dravidianism in our state. He emphasised that girls should study, and our CM is working based on his principles," Maran said.

"Our girl students should be proud...