Joseph Vijay’s Congress Higher Education Minister Viswanathan has expressed regret following widespread criticism over a viral video showing him touching the legs of schoolgirls during a marathon event held in Madurai, as reported in Daily Thanthi.
The controversy stems from a marathon organised by the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) on 21 June 2026 at a government school ground in Melur, Madurai district, to mark Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay’s birthday. The event was inaugurated by Minister Viswanathan.
According to reports, after the marathon concluded, several girls who had participated in the race were seated on the stage with their legs stretched out as they rested after completing the run.
The viral video shows the minister massaging the legs of the girl marathon participants and, according to reports, attempting to relieve muscle cramps in the toes of another participant.
The footage quickly spread across social media, triggering criticism from several quarters. Many questioned whether it was appropriate for the minister to touch minor girls in a public setting, with the incident sparking widespread debate online.
Amid the growing controversy, Viswanathan issued a statement expressing regret over the episode.
In his statement, the minister said the marathon had been organised to create awareness against drug abuse and sexual crimes against women. He stated that the participating students had completed a four-kilometre run under intense summer heat, causing some of them to faint and suffer physical exhaustion.
Viswanathan maintained that his actions were intended solely as first aid to assist the students and alleged that the incident had been portrayed with a “wrong motive” by sections of the media.
“As a father of a daughter, I rendered assistance purely out of humanitarian concern. It is deeply painful that the help I extended is being portrayed in a wrong manner,” the minister said.
He further stated that attributing ulterior motives to his actions had come as a shock to him.
“Since my approach has, in one way or another, been misunderstood, I express my regret,” he said.
The minister, however, maintained that his actions were driven purely by humanitarian considerations and denied any improper intent behind the incident.
It is noteworthy that a POCSO complaint was also filed after the video went viral.
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