DMK removes Minister Ponmudi from party post over vulgar remarks against Hindu Gods

IANS April 11, 2025 277 views

The DMK has removed Minister K. Ponmudi from his deputy general secretary position after making deeply offensive remarks about Hindu religious symbols. His vulgar speech, which used sexually explicit language to mock Shaivite and Vaishnavite practices, triggered widespread condemnation from party colleagues and political opponents. Senior DMK leader Kanimozhi Karunanidhi publicly denounced the comments, calling them unacceptable. The incident highlights the growing sensitivity around religious discourse in Tamil Nadu's political landscape.

"The recent speech of Minister Ponmudy is unacceptable." - Kanimozhi Karunanidhi
Chennai, April 11: The DMK has removed Tamil Nadu Forest Minister and senior party leader K. Ponmudy from his post as Deputy General Secretary following his controversial and vulgar remarks made at a recent party meeting.

Key Points

1

DMK takes action against Ponmudi for vulgar remarks

2

Kanimozhi publicly condemns minister's controversial speech

3

BJP demands immediate removal from cabinet

4

Incident reveals growing political tensions

The remarks, perceived as deeply offensive towards the Shaivite and Vaishnavite communities, sparked widespread outrage, including criticism from within the party.

DMK MP and party leader Kanimozhi Karunanidhi publicly condemned Ponmudy's comments, calling them "unacceptable".

In a strongly worded post on her X account, she stated: "The recent speech of Minister Ponmudy is unacceptable. No matter the context, such vulgar speeches are condemnable."

The remarks, reportedly made during a DMK workers' meeting in Chennai within the past week, triggered backlash from political leaders, civil society, and the public.

In a now-viral video, Ponmudy is seen using a sexually explicit analogy involving a prostitute to ridicule religious practices.

Referring to sacred Hindu symbols, he mockingly described the Shaivite horizontal tilak and the Vaishnavite vertical tilak in most vulgar words, reducing spiritual symbolism to crude innuendos.

Singer and activist Chinmayi Sripada also criticised the minister, saying, "This is the Forest Minister Ponmudy from Tamil Nadu. He previously held portfolios such as Science and Technology and Education. He describes this as a 'joke' because there's a market for such speeches in public gatherings. The joke, sadly, is on us."

The BJP strongly condemned the remarks, demanding Ponmudy's immediate removal from the state cabinet.

BJP Tamil Nadu Vice-President Narayanan Thirupathy said in a social media post, "Minister Ponmudy continuing in his post is shameful. CM Stalin, will you order Ponmudy's arrest? He has maligned the women of Tamil Nadu with his comments."

Thirupathy also welcomed Kanimozhi's condemnation of Ponmudy.

This is not the first time the minister has courted controversy. In a previous incident, he made disparaging remarks linking North Indian migrants to selling 'pani puri' in Coimbatore, suggesting that those advocating for learning Hindi end up in low-paying jobs.

With mounting pressure from the public and political opponents, the DMK acted swiftly to strip Ponmudy of his senior party position. However, there has been no official statement or apology from the minister himself at the time of reporting.

Reader Comments

P
Priya K.
Finally some accountability! These kinds of remarks have no place in public discourse, especially from elected officials. DMK did the right thing here. 👏
R
Rahul M.
While I'm glad action was taken, removing him just from party post isn't enough. He should resign as minister too. You can't insult people's faith like this and keep your position.
S
Saranya P.
As a DMK supporter, I'm disappointed but not surprised. The party needs to clean up its act when it comes to respecting all religions. Kudos to Kanimozhi for speaking up though!
A
Arjun V.
This isn't his first controversy. Why does DMK keep giving chances to people who repeatedly offend communities? 🤔 The pattern is concerning.
M
Meena S.
Respectfully, while I agree the remarks were inappropriate, I wish the same energy was shown when other parties make offensive comments. Selective outrage helps no one.
K
Karthik R.
Chinmayi's point about this being a "market" is so true. We need to stop rewarding politicians who make vulgar speeches just because they get applause from certain crowds.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Tags:
DMK Ponmudi Tamil Nadu Politics Religious Controversy K. Ponmudy Hindu Gods Kanimozhi Karunanidhi
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