The 'joke' is on us...: Singer Chinmayi Sripaada slams TN Minister Ponmudy's remarks on Hinduism, women

ANI April 11, 2025 277 views

A shocking incident has unfolded in Tamil Nadu politics after Forest Minister Ponmudy made deeply offensive remarks about sex workers and religious identities. Singer Chinmayi Sripaada strongly condemned the minister's inappropriate joke, highlighting the systemic disrespect towards women. The DMK party responded by removing Ponmudy from his deputy general secretary position, while the BJP demanded his complete removal from the ministerial post. This controversy has sparked serious discussions about political accountability and respect for women in public discourse.

"The joke is on us. No wonder they are all hand-in-glove with the molester." - Chinmayi Sripaada
Chennai, April 11: Singer Chinmayi Sripaada has slammed Tamil Nadu Forest Minister K Ponmudy after he made controversial remarks on Hinduism and women. She said that the minister described the joke because apparently there is a market for these jokes in a public gathering.

Key Points

1

Ponmudy removed from DMK deputy post after inappropriate public remarks

2

Chinmayi strongly criticizes minister's offensive speech

3

BJP demands ministerial removal

4

DMK leadership condemns the inappropriate comments

"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," Sripaada posted.

"Apparently, she asks the man if he is Shaivite or Vaishnavite and goes on to describe in detail about positions if the man were Shaivite or Vaishnavite. Such a speech must have demanded Periyar's photo in the background. This is a joke. The joke is on us. No wonder they are all hand-in-glove with the 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 God exists," she added.

Following the remarks, Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) dismissed Ponmudy from the position of Deputy General Secretary in the party.

Ponmudy's remarks drew sharp criticism from the Bharatiya Janata Party. CR Kesavan demanded his removal from the Ministerial post, stating that he has no "moral rights" to stay as Minister.

Moreover, Kesavan criticised the ruling DMK and accused them of indulging in "mere eyewash" by removing him from just the party's position and not from the Tamil Nadu cabinet.

Taking to social media post on X, the BJP leader wrote, "When the State Emblem of Tamilnadu is a Sacred Temple Gopuram, Ponmudi, after his perverted statements deliberately attacking sacred Hindu symbols to crude sexual innuendos, he has no moral right to continue as Minister of TN Government. DMK is indulging in mere eyewash by removing him from just from the party position. This vile individual should at once be sacked as a Minister."

Meanwhile, DMK MP Kanizmozhi condemned Minister Ponmudy's remarks, calling them "unacceptable."

"Minister Ponmudy's recent speech is unacceptable. Regardless of the reason for the speech, such vulgar remarks are condemnable," Kanimozhi posted on X.

Reader Comments

P
Priya K.
Chinmayi always speaks truth to power 👏 It's shocking that a minister would think this kind of vulgar humor is appropriate. We need more voices like hers calling out this nonsense.
R
Rahul S.
While I agree the remarks were inappropriate, I wish Chinmayi hadn't brought God's existence into this. The focus should remain on holding public figures accountable for their words.
S
Saranya M.
This is why I've lost faith in politicians 😤 Making jokes at the expense of women and religion? And in public? Disgusting behavior from someone who's supposed to lead by example.
K
Karthik V.
DMK's response seems half-hearted. If they're serious about women's dignity, he should be removed from the cabinet entirely. Actions speak louder than party position changes.
A
Ananya P.
The fact that he thought this would get laughs says everything about the audience he was playing to 🤦‍♀️ We need better standards for public discourse in India.
V
Vijay R.
I'm no fan of BJP but Kesavan makes a valid point - removing him just from party position is meaningless when he still holds ministerial power. This needs stronger action.

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

Leave a Comment

Your email won't be published

Tags:
Chinmayi Sripaada Ponmudy Tamil Nadu Politics DMK Controversial Remarks Hinduism Women's Rights
You May Like!