Former DMK MP Senthil Kumar’s criticism of the Sringeri Sharada Peetham Jagadguru Sri Sri Vidushekhara Bharati Sannidhanam has backfired after social media users unearthed an old video showing DMK functionaries prostrating before party leaders.
The controversy began after Senthil Kumar shared a video showing the Shankaracharya arriving at a temple. In the video, a disciple is seen placing the Acharya’s padukas (wooden sandals) on the ground as he alights from a vehicle. The Acharya then wears the padukas and proceeds towards the temple for worship.
Sharing the clip on X, Senthil Kumar wrote, “Speaking against this is what Dravidianism stands for. If there is even a drop of self-respect, one would never allow something like this to happen.”
இதை எதிர்த்து பேசுவது தான் திராவிடம்.#சுயமரியாதை ஒரு துளியாவது இருந்தால் இப்படி ஒரு விஷயத்தை செய்ய விடமாட்டார்கள்.#மனிதம்_மலரட்டும். pic.twitter.com/Ft5E3xhZHm
— Dr.Senthilkumar.S (@DrSenthil_MDRD) July 12, 2026
The post quickly drew criticism, with many netizens accusing the former MP of selectively targeting Hindu religious traditions while remaining silent about similar displays of reverence towards political leaders.
Soon after his post went viral, social media users circulated a 2023 video purportedly showing Senthil Kumar being welcomed by DMK cadres. In the video, party workers are seen falling at his feet, while others spread rose petals on the ground for him to walk over during his arrival at a public event.
Ok டா உபி கொத்தடிமை 😂 pic.twitter.com/whd56gvTu4 https://t.co/JAeeqeIXR6
— Dr. 2G Spectrum 🍇 💰 (@EURONGREYJOY007) July 12, 2026
Netizens pointed to the apparent contradiction between Senthil Kumar’s criticism of disciples honouring a Hindu seer and his own acceptance of elaborate gestures of reverence from party workers.
Netizens also questioned why practices rooted in Hindu religious tradition were portrayed as incompatible with “self-respect,” while similar acts directed towards politicians appeared to attract no such criticism.
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