Minister Ponmudi's comments, which referenced a conversation involving a sex worker and religious identity, have drawn criticism from DMK MP Kanimozhi, singer Chinmayi and social media users alike.
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 and social media users alike. Following this, DMK removed TN Minister 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.
Leaders Slam Remarks
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."
அமைச்சர் பொன்முடி அவர்களின் சமீபத்திய பேச்சு ஏற்றுக்கொள்ள முடியாதது. எந்த காரணத்திற்காகப் பேசப் பட்டிருந்தாலும் இப்படிப்பட்ட கொச்சையான பேச்சுகள் கண்டிக்கத்தக்கது.
— Kanimozhi (கனிமொழி) (@KanimozhiDMK) April 11, 2025
Renowned playback singer and women's rights advocate Chinmayi Sripada also criticised 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 Tamilnadu. He previously held posts as a Minister for Science and Tech; and Education in Tamilnadu. 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."
"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 doesnt look like the God exists," she said.
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