Key Highlights:
Tamil Nadu Forest Minister K Ponmudy is at the center of a major political firestorm after a video of his misogynistic and casteist remarks surfaced online. The controversial speech, in which he shares a vulgar anecdote involving a sex worker, has sparked widespread outrage and calls for his removal.
Here’s a breakdown of 7 explosive reactions that are intensifying pressure on the DMK government and Chief Minister MK Stalin:
1. Kanimozhi (DMK MP): “Unacceptable”
In a strong and public rebuke from within the DMK itself, Kanimozhi, MP from Thoothukudi, tweeted:
அமைச்சர் பொன்முடி அவர்களின் சமீபத்திய பேச்சு ஏற்றுக்கொள்ள முடியாதது. எந்த காரணத்திற்காகப் பேசப் பட்டிருந்தாலும் இப்படிப்பட்ட கொச்சையான பேச்சுகள் கண்டிக்கத்தக்கது.
— Kanimozhi (கனிமொழி) (@KanimozhiDMK) April 11, 2025
“Minister Ponmudy’s recent speech is unacceptable. Regardless of the reason… such vulgar remarks are condemnable.”
Her statement highlights growing dissent even from top DMK leaders and reflects deep concern over the party’s image among women voters.
2. Khushbu Sundar (BJP & NCW): “Do You Enjoy Insulting Women?”
BJP leader and National Commission for Women member Khushbu Sundar attacked Chief Minister Stalin directly:
Mr @mkstalin avl, this is your Minister, an education minister for that. Such a disgusting mindset he has and his words describe him better than what i can say. Will you ever have the guts to throw him out of his chair and position? Or you and your party find sadistic pleasures… https://t.co/vqFMWpyXs0
— KhushbuSundar (@khushsundar) April 10, 2025
“Will you have the guts to throw him out of his chair? Or do you and your party enjoy insulting women and Hinduism with such disgusting comments?”
Khushbu accused the DMK of hypocrisy and dared Stalin to uphold his public commitment to women’s rights.
3. Chinmayi Sripada (Singer & Activist): “This Is a Joke on Us”
Renowned playback singer and activist Chinmayi Sripada condemned the speech in a scathing post:
This is Minister of Forests, Mister Ponmudi from Tamilnadu. He previously held posts as a Minister for Science and Tech; and Education in Tamilnadu.
— Chinmayi Sripaada (@Chinmayi) April 10, 2025
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… https://t.co/Szy2YCINsF
“This is a joke. The joke is on us. No wonder… they are all hand-in-glove with molester poetttttu.”
She called out the normalization of such behavior in political spaces and sarcastically referenced Periyar, the icon of the Dravidian movement, to highlight the irony.
4. K Annamalai (BJP State Leader): “Hang Your Head in Shame”
Outgoing BJP Tamil Nadu chief K Annamalai launched a fiery attack on the DMK ecosystem, saying:
“The entire DMK ecosystem is vulgar, foul-mouthed, and uncouth… Stalin should hang his head in shame for leading this disgraceful pack.”
Annamalai used the controversy to reinforce BJP’s narrative of DMK’s moral decay.
5. Public Uproar on Social Media: “Is This the Face of Progress?”
Across social media platforms, Tamil Nadu citizens voiced anger, disbelief, and betrayal, especially among women who had voted for DMK’s progressive promises.
Posts like:
- “Shameful to see this in 2025.”
- “Is this how a minister should talk in public?”
- “Where is the accountability?”
These reactions have put massive public pressure on the government.
6. Civil Society & Women’s Groups: “Sack Him Now”
Women’s rights organizations across Tamil Nadu have issued statements demanding Ponmudy’s immediate removal from the Cabinet. Several have threatened protests if action isn’t taken.
One leading NGO leader stated:
“This is not a first-time offense. Ponmudy represents a deeply toxic mindset and must go.”
7. Internal Party Discomfort: Silent Rumbles Within DMK
Sources within DMK suggest that many leaders are uncomfortable with the backlash but are waiting for Stalin to make a decisive move.
One anonymous party worker said:
“This is damaging us ahead of elections. Silence is no longer an option.”
The party’s failure to respond decisively is increasingly being viewed as tacit approval.
K Ponmudy Controversy May Reshape Tamil Nadu’s Political Discourse
With elections looming and DMK’s pro-women image at stake, the K Ponmudy controversy has the potential to cause long-term damage if unaddressed. The 7 explosive reactions above show that the public, civil society, and even party insiders demand accountability.
If Chief Minister Stalin doesn’t act soon, he may lose more than just credibility—he may lose voter trust.not just from the opposition—but from the very people it claims to fight for.
The Hindustan Herald Is Your Source For The Latest In Business, Entertainment, Lifestyle, Breaking News, And Other News. Please Follow Us On Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, And LinkedIn To Receive Instantaneous Updates. Also Don’t Forget To Subscribe Our Telegram Channel @hindustanherald
