The ruling DMK in Tamil Nadu is grappling with internal criticism and national outrage after Forest Minister K Ponmudi made controversial comments at a public function, sparking a social and political storm. The minister, known for his outspoken nature, has now been stripped of his post as Deputy General Secretary of the party.
The controversy began after a video of Ponmudi went viral on social media, where he is seen narrating an inappropriate anecdote involving a sex worker and a man. In the story, the woman allegedly asks the man whether he identifies as a Shaivite or a Vaishnavite referencing the horizontal and vertical forehead marks traditionally worn by followers of the two Hindu sects. She then links these religious symbols to sexual positions, prompting sharp criticism from across the spectrum.
In response to the public outcry, the DMK acted swiftly by removing Ponmudi from his party leadership role. Tiruchi N Siva has since been appointed in his place. However, sources suggest that more disciplinary action could follow, with internal discussions reportedly underway about whether to relieve him of his ministerial duties as well.
Remarks Received Backlash Within the Party
The remarks did not sit well even within the party. DMK MP Kanimozhi, daughter of late party patriarch M Karunanidhi, took to social media to express her disapproval. She described Ponmudi’s speech as “unacceptable,” stressing that vulgarity, regardless of intent or context, cannot be justified.
Outside the party, criticism came in fast. Actor and BJP leader Khushbu Sundar directly addressed Chief Minister MK Stalin on social media, asking whether such remarks reflect the values of the party or the women in his own family. She challenged the DMK’s silence, questioning whether the leadership takes any offense when such language is directed at women and Hindu beliefs.
National BJP leaders also seized the moment. Amit Malviya, head of the BJP’s IT Cell, accused the DMK of continuing a pattern of targeting Hindu traditions. He tied Ponmudi’s comments to earlier remarks made by Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin about Sanatan Dharma, suggesting a coordinated ideological attack. Malviya also blamed opposition parties in the I.N.D.I.A. bloc, alleging that they are bound together not by vision but by a shared disregard for Hindu values and traditions.
Singer Chinmayi Sripaada Expresses Frustration
Adding her voice to the growing dissent, singer Chinmayi Sripaada took to social media to express her frustration. “This is a joke. The joke is on us,” she posted, referring to the way such vulgarity is normalised under the guise of humour. She called for accountability, suggesting that the public should not tolerate casual sexism and religious insensitivity from public leaders.
Tamil Nadu BJP president K Annamalai called the incident disgraceful and accused the DMK of lowering the tone of political discourse in the state. In a strongly worded post, he called the remarks “filth” and said the people of Tamil Nadu deserve better. He dismissed the party’s move to remove Ponmudi from an internal post as insufficient, warning that such behavior would not be forgotten.
Ponmudi, who previously served as the state’s Higher Education Minister, is no stranger to controversy. In the past, he has made headlines for his comments targeting non-Tamil speakers in the state, once dismissively labeling Hindi speakers as panipuri vendors a remark that was also widely condemned.
As the political fallout continues, it remains to be seen how far the DMK leadership will go to contain the damage. For now, the controversy has ignited a larger debate on decency in political speech, respect for religious beliefs, and the accountability of those in power.
