The Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) has removed Tamil Nadu Forest Minister K Ponmudy from his post as Deputy General Secretary after receiving huge backlash for his controversial remarks related to Hindi religious symbols and women. The decision was announced by the Chief Minister and DMK President MK Stalin. The decision has been taken in response to a viral video where Ponmudy made an analogy by linking religious marks of Shaivism and Vaishnavism to sexual positions during a public event.

Ponmudy’s reaction sparked sharp criticism from the Bhartiya Janata Party. His resignation from the ministerial post was demanded by CR Kesavan. He stated that he has no moral right to continue as Minister.

Moreover, Kesavan was also criticised by the ruling DMK and blamed them for just removing him from the party’s position and not from the Tamil Nadu cabinet.

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Taking to the social media post on X, Kesavan stated, ‘’When the State Emblem of Tamil Nadu is sacred Temple Gopuram, Ponmudi after his perverted statements deliberately stacking sacred Hindu symbols to crude sexual innuendos, he has no moral rights to continue on the post of a minister of TN government. DMK is indulging mere eyewash by removing him from just the party post. This vile individual should at once be sacked as Minister.

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Despite the removal from the party post, Ponmudy continues to be in the position of state’s Forest Minister, a decision that also attracted further criticism. Amid the ongoing controversy, DMK has appointed Rajya Sabha MP Tiruchy Siva as new Deputy General Secretary.

Meanwhile, DMK MP Kanizmozhi also criticised Minister Ponmudy’s remarks, terming them as ‘’unacceptable’’.  She mentioned in a post on X, ‘’Minister Ponmuddy’s recent speech is unacceptable. Regardless of the reason for the speech, such vulgar remarks are condemnable.’’

Tamil Nadu BJP Vice President, Narayanan Thirupathy also welcomed Kanimozhi’s statement on the remark and has pleaded for legal action against the DMK Minister. The BJP also demanded that the minister should be sacked from his post.