Tamil Nadu Forest Minister K. Ponmudy has found himself embroiled in controversy after making derogatory remarks about Shaivism and Vaishnavism, along with indecent and offensive comments about women during a public event organized by the Thanthai Periyar Dravidar Kazhagam. In response, a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) has been filed in the Madras High Court, seeking his removal from the state cabinet. The PIL, submitted by advocate B Jagannath, claims that Ponmudy’s statements are a violation of the responsibilities entrusted to a public servant under the Constitution and calls for his immediate dismissal from ministerial duties.
The controversy erupted after Ponmudy, while speaking at an event organized by the Thanthai Periyar Dravidar Kazhagam, recounted a vulgar anecdote that linked sacred Hindu religious symbols to sexual positions. The minister referenced a crude joke historically shared in Dravidian movement circles, which equated the forehead markings of Shaivites and Vaishnavites to different sexual acts. The remarks, which quickly went viral, drew widespread condemnation from various political and religious groups.
He said, “A man goes to the home of a sex worker. She asked him if he was a Shaivaite or a Vaishnavite. He did not understand. If she had asked for ₹5 or ₹10, it would have been okay. He pondered why she asked if he was a Shaivaite or Vaishnavite coming to a sex worker’s home. When he asked, he did not understand her question. She said if you are a Shaivaite, you wear holy ash this way, and if you are Vaishnavaite, you wear it this way. He did not understand. He asked her what she meant. She said if you are Shaivaite, it means intercourse in a lying position, and if it is Vaishnavaite, intercourse in a standing position.” This went viral and received criticism from all quarters.
This is DMK’s standard of political discourse in Tamil Nadu. Thiru Ponmudi was once the Higher Education Minister of Tamil Nadu & now Minister for Forests and Khadi, and the youth of Tamil Nadu are expected to tolerate this filth? Not just this Minister, the entire DMK ecosystem… pic.twitter.com/ENMq47hiPf
— K.Annamalai (@annamalai_k) April 11, 2025
B Jagannath, in his PIL, criticized the lack of police response despite multiple complaints being filed, including one by BJP leaders with the Chennai Police Commissioner. He emphasized that Ponmudy, as an elected official, is constitutionally bound to respect and protect the sentiments of all citizens, regardless of religious affiliation.
Facing intense backlash, Ponmudy issued a public apology on 12 April 2025, acknowledging the inappropriateness of his comments. “I sincerely apologize for the words I used. It was a lapse in judgment. I regret having caused offense and embarrassment to many,” he said in a statement, expressing remorse for the hurt his remarks caused.
In response to the uproar, the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) removed Ponmudy from his position as the party’s Deputy General Secretary. However, he continues to serve as the Forest Minister, a decision that has drawn criticism from opposition parties and civil society alike.
DMK MP Kanimozhi, sister of Chief Minister and party leader M.K. Stalin, condemned Ponmudy’s comments, labeling them “unacceptable.” AIADMK leader Sellur Raju also criticized the minister, accusing him of frequently making disparaging remarks about women and marginalized communities.
BJP spokesperson C.R. Kesavan demanded Ponmudy’s immediate dismissal from the cabinet, stating that his statements have stripped him of any moral right to hold public office.
The PIL is expected to be heard by the Madras High Court on 24 April 2025, as pressure mounts on the state government to take firmer action.
(With inputs from Federal News)
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