Tamil Nadu: 'DMK leaders risk playing into BJP's hands'
After receiving backlash for remarks made by K Ponmudy and EV Velu, party tells leaders not to make remarks that could risk polarising voters and to avoid gender-insensitive remarks
Left red-faced with a series of incidents involving the usage of offensive remarks against the Hindu religion and women by its top leaders, the ruling DMK has issued a stern directive to senior leaders to exercise restraint and avoid statements that could alienate Hindu voters.
Following the removal of Tamil Nadu Forest Minister K Ponmudy as DMK’s deputy general secretary for inappropriate remarks about Shaivism and Vaishnavism, another senior leader, Minister of Public Works, EV Velu, also sparked outrage with his remarks at a public meeting in Thiruvannamalai.
In the light of the controversies, the DMK’s order asking its leaders to mind their tongue seems to be an attempt to safeguard its reputation and maintain credibility among the electorate ahead of the Assembly polls. But will this strategy help the party navigate the turbulent waters of Tamil Nadu politics, or will it embolden its rivals, particularly the BJP, to capitalise on the narrative of the DMK being ‘anti-Hindu’?
Vulgar remark
The DMK’s troubles began when a video of Ponmudy surfaced on April 11, 2025, showing him making vulgar remarks at a public event. In the video, Ponmudy is seen linking Hindu religious identities — specifically the tilaks worn by Shaivites and Vaishnavites — to sexual positions, in what he described as a "joke." In the viral video, Ponmudy can be heard saying, “Women, please don’t misunderstand,” before narrating an anecdote about a man visiting a sex worker who asks him whether he is a Shaivite or Vaishnavite, implying different sexual positions based on the religious marker.
Also read: DMK minister Ponmudy sacked from party post for remarks on Shaivism-Vaishnavism
The remarks drew widespread condemnation, with critics accusing Ponmudy of trivialising sacred Hindu traditions and disrespecting women. The backlash was swift, prompting the DMK to remove Ponmudy from his party post as deputy general secretary, though he remains a minister in the state cabinet.
Backlash against DMK
BJP leader and ex-actress Khushbu condemned Ponmudy’s remarks, saying, “Disgusting to hear such derogatory statements from a sitting minister like Ponmudy. Shows the culture of DMK.”
Vanathi Srinivasan, another BJP leader dubbed Ponmudy’s comments as “shocking and condemnable,” questioning how a minister could speak so vulgarly in front of women and urging the DMK to take strict action against him.
Former Tamil Nadu BJP chief K Annamalai said Chief Minister M K Stalin must feel ashamed for leading such a “disgraceful pack” and warned that attacks on Hindu religion would not go unanswered.
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The backlash against Ponmudy has also led to planned protests, with the AIADMK announcing a state-wide demonstration against the minister. AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami has called for a protest by the AIADMK’s women’s wing on April 16 in Chennai.
Velu adds fuel to fire
The controversy involving Ponmudy had barely subsided when Velu, another senior DMK leader, found himself in the crosshairs for comments made during a public meeting in Thiruvannamalai on April 12. Speaking at the event, Velu, the Minister of Public Works, Highways, and Minor Ports, wondered whether one could sing the Bollywood song Choli Ke Peeche Kya Hai inside a Shiva or Vaishnava temple.
His statement sparked outrage among Hindu devotees and political opponents alike.
BJP leaders quickly seized the opportunity, with Tamil Nadu BJP leader Annamalai and other senior figures slamming Velu’s comments.
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“EV Velu’s comment is not just in bad taste, it’s a direct insult to our temples and the sentiments of crores of devotees,” Annamalai said.
BJP’s IT Cell head, Amit Malviya, called it a continuation of the DMK’s alleged attacks on Hinduism, a narrative the party has been pushing in Tamil Nadu for years.
DMK’s response: A directive for restraint
Bogged down by the criticism, especially ahead of the 2026 elections, the DMK high command has sprung into action.
Party sources said that a stern directive was issued to senior leaders, emphasising two key messages: first, leaders must refrain from making remarks that could offend Hindu sentiments, as such comments risk polarising voters and alienating a significant portion of the electorate; second, the party aims to protect its reputation and maintain credibility as a secular and inclusive political force in Tamil Nadu.
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The DMK’s leadership is acutely aware of the potential consequences of these controversies. While the DMK has historically positioned itself as a champion of secularism and has been critical of Brahmanical hegemony — a legacy of its ideological founder Periyar EV Ramasamy — the party has also been careful to avoid being perceived as anti-Hindu. However, the recent remarks by Ponmudy and Velu have reignited the debate over the party’s stance on religion, giving ammunition to the BJP, which has been trying to paint the DMK as an "anti-Hindu" party.
Fears of polarisation
Ravindran Duraisamy, a political analyst, has warned that the DMK’s senior leaders risk playing into the BJP’s hands. “Already there is a perception among some sections that the DMK is anti-Hindu. If seniors continue to speak like this, it may help the BJP for further polarisation. By framing the DMK as anti-Hindu, the BJP hopes to consolidate Hindu votes, particularly in the lead-up to the 2026 elections,” he said.
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A senior minister in the Stalin cabinet has confirmed to The Federal that DMK’s directive to its leaders, highlights specific areas flagged as sensitive, which the party believes could trigger backlash if mishandled. First and foremost is the issue of religious symbolism and practices.
Warning against gender-insensitive remarks
Secondly, the party has emphasised the need to avoid gender-insensitive remarks. Ponmudy ’s comments, in particular, were criticised not only for their religious insensitivity but also for their derogatory references to women. "The DMK, which has positioned itself as a progressive party advocating for women’s rights, cannot afford to be seen as condoning such behaviour, especially at a time when gender equality is a key issue in Tamil Nadu politics," Khushbu said.
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P Sivakami, a former IAS officer, writer, and politician, said: "DMK leaders fail to distinguish between a joke and offensive speech, noting that while addressing superstition is a pressing need, they must choose their words carefully and not underestimate the public’s understanding.''
