A fresh political storm has erupted in Tamil Nadu following controversial remarks made by Forest Minister K Ponmudi during a recent public event. His comments, which referenced a conversation involving a sex worker and religious identity, have drawn widespread criticism from DMK MP Kanimozhi, singer Chinmayi Sripada, and social media users alike. Following this backlash, the DMK removed Ponmudi from his post as Deputy General Secretary of the party.
The video of the Minister’s remarks has gone viral online, though its authenticity has not been independently verified. In the clip, Ponmudi reportedly narrates an anecdote involving a prostitute questioning a man’s religious alignment—between Shaivism and Vaishnavism—using it to suggest different "positions" based on the associated religious symbols. The analogy has been widely perceived as derogatory and offensive.
DMK MP and Women’s Wing leader Kanimozhi was among the first to publicly condemn the speech, calling it “unacceptable” and “vulgar.” Stressing the need for respectful discourse in public life, she stated, "Minister Ponmudi's recent speech is unacceptable. Regardless of the context, such vulgar remarks are condemnable." Kanimozhi's condemnation reflects a growing concern among party members regarding the appropriateness of public statements made by elected officials.
Renowned playback singer and women's rights advocate Chinmayi Sripada also criticized the speech, noting that it was inappropriate for a political figure to use such language, especially in a public setting. Chinmayi said: "This is Minister of Forests, Mister Ponmudi from Tamil Nadu. He previously held posts as a Minister for Science and Tech; and Education in Tamil Nadu. He describes a ‘joke’ because apparently there is a ‘market’ for these jokes in a public gathering, about a man who goes to a sex worker’s house. Such a speech must have demanded Periyar’s photo in the background."
Chinmayi further commented, "This is a joke. The joke is on us. No wonder they are all hand in glove with molester. There has GOT to be some sort of a divinity or a Goddess or a God that will punish this and raze this to the ground. But doesn’t look like the God exists." Her remarks highlight a broader societal frustration over the normalization of misogynistic comments in political discourse.
The backlash against Ponmudi’s comments did not stop with his party. BJP leader Amit Malviya lambasted him over his remarks, stating, "After Udhayanidhi Stalin’s disgraceful attack on Sanatan Dharma, DMK Minister K. Ponmudi has now taken the baton of Hindu-bashing forward." Malviya criticized Ponmudi for recounting a vulgar anecdote involving a prostitute and a man, where he mockingly reduced sacred Hindu symbols to crude sexual innuendos. Referring to the Shaivite horizontal tilak as the ‘lying down position’ and the Vaishnavite vertical tilak as the ‘standing position,’ his remarks were not just offensive—they were deliberately insulting to the core beliefs of two major Hindu sects.
Malviya noted that this isn’t Ponmudi’s first brush with controversy. In 2022, he targeted Hindi speakers in Tamil Nadu, belittling them as panipuri sellers—another example of his divisive rhetoric. Alleging that opposition parties engage in minority appeasement politics, he stated, "The pattern is clear. Whether it’s DMK, Congress, TMC, or RJD—members of the I.N.D.I. Alliance seem united not by ideology, but by a shared disdain for Hindu beliefs and a relentless pursuit of minority appeasement. Their politics thrive on insult, provocation, and calculated disrespect toward the majority community."
In response to the uproar, the DMK acted swiftly to remove Ponmudi from his position as Deputy General Secretary. The party's leadership, including Chief Minister MK Stalin, faced mounting pressure to hold Ponmudi accountable for his remarks. DMK MP Kanimozhi reiterated her disapproval, stating, "For whatever reason he had spoken, such vulgar words are condemnable."
Chennai saw a wave of criticism directed at Ponmudi, with various political leaders and activists demanding accountability. Actor and BJP leader Khushbu Sundar questioned whether the women in MK Stalin's household approve of such insults when they visit temples. She challenged the Chief Minister, asking, "Will you ever have the guts to throw him out of his chair and position? Or do you and your party find sadistic pleasures in insulting women and Hinduism?"
Meanwhile, singer Chinmayi Sripada's comments resonated widely, as she lamented the normalization of such remarks in the name of humor. She stated, "This is a joke. The joke is on us," emphasizing the seriousness of the issue at hand. Her statement reflects a growing awareness and rejection of misogynistic rhetoric in political discourse.
As the DMK continues to navigate this controversy, the incident raises important questions about the standards of conduct expected from public officials and the implications of their words on societal attitudes towards women and religious sentiments. This incident may also influence the party's image ahead of the upcoming Assembly elections, as they strive to maintain support among constituents who value respectful dialogue.
The fallout from Ponmudi's remarks serves as a reminder of the power of language in shaping public perception and the responsibility that comes with political office. With the DMK now under scrutiny, the party's leadership must address not only the immediate backlash but also the underlying issues of misogyny and disrespect that have surfaced in this incident.
In conclusion, the controversy surrounding Minister K Ponmudi's remarks has sparked widespread outrage and led to significant political repercussions within the DMK. As the party grapples with the fallout, it remains to be seen how this incident will impact its standing in Tamil Nadu's political landscape and whether it will lead to meaningful changes in the way public discourse is conducted.
