TVK Human Resources Minister Ghilli Sarath has remained at the centre of a political controversy over the past four days after an old video purportedly showing him appearing to use narcotics went viral on social media, triggering widespread criticism.
The controversy intensified after the DMK student wing announced statewide protests demanding Sarath’s dismissal from the state cabinet.
Amid the growing political backlash, sources within the TVK, particularly in Panaiyur, claimed that the episode had caused significant concern within the party leadership, as reported in Vikatan.
According to party functionaries familiar with the developments, Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay had participated in an anti-drug marathon on the morning the controversy erupted and had received an enthusiastic public response. However, they said that within hours, the circulation of the old video shifted public attention and resulted in criticism being directed at both the minister and the government.
The functionaries further claimed that Sarath’s subsequent explanation regarding the video failed to contain the controversy and instead intensified criticism on social media. As the issue gained traction online, they alleged that it reached the Chief Minister’s attention, who was reportedly shocked after watching the video. According to the sources, Vijay also expressed his displeasure to TVK General Secretary Bussy Anand over the issue.
The sources further claimed that speculation soon emerged within the party that Sarath could be removed from the cabinet due to the Chief Minister’s reported dissatisfaction.
Amid the uncertainty, Sarath is said to have visited the residence of General Secretary Bussy Anand, known as “Shenbagam,” on Greenways Road, accompanied by his wife and children. According to the party sources, Sarath told Anand that the viral clip was merely a playful act that was being deliberately exaggerated and politicised by opponents, and requested that this explanation be conveyed to the Chief Minister.
However, the sources alleged that Bussy Anand did not offer any assurances and instead informed Sarath that the matter had already reached the Chief Minister and that the final decision rested solely with him. Sarath reportedly left the meeting worried about the possibility of losing his ministerial position.
The controversy has also reportedly affected Sarath’s participation in party programmes. Sources claimed that although Sarath, as the minister in charge of Chengalpattu district, had been scheduled to attend a welfare assistance distribution programme organised in Guduvancheri on Saturday night to mark the Chief Minister’s birthday, he stayed away after receiving instructions from the party leadership.
According to senior party functionaries, there is also an internal view that immediate disciplinary action against Sarath could hand the DMK a political advantage, as the opposition has been actively highlighting the issue.
The sources claimed that some senior leaders have advised the Chief Minister’s camp to defer any decision until a possible cabinet reshuffle in the coming months rather than act immediately amid the ongoing political controversy.
However, they maintained that no final decision has been taken and that the matter ultimately rests with Chief Minister Vijay.
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