PIL seeks removal of Ponmudy from TN Cabinet; DMK leadership 'deeply upset'

DMK minister and veteran party leader K Ponmudy’s widely condemned comments about Hindu religious identities and women may cost him his place in the Tamil Nadu Cabinet.

Alongside a complaint filed by BJP leaders with the Chennai Police Commissioner, a public interest litigation (PIL) has been submitted to the Madras High Court seeking his axing as a minister. It accuses Ponmudy of making derogatory statements about Shaivism and Vaishnavism as well as offensive remarks about women, and seeks his removal from the cabinet.

In the PIL, advocate P Jaganath said that as a people’s representative, Ponmudy's remarks are against the Constitution.

“He has a responsibility to protect all citizens. Despite multiple complaints, no action has been taken by the police,” he said. The petition alleges that despite complaints being filed seeking action against Ponmudi, the police have not taken any action. This petition is expected to come up for hearing soon.

Ponmudy under fire

Although Ponmudy was stripped of his prestigious post as deputy general secretary of the DMK on April 11, the controversy refuses to die down.

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Opposition parties like the AIADMK and BJP are intensifying public protests and demanding action against him. Several women’s organisations have condemned his speech.

While AIADMK women leaders organised a protest in Chennai, BJP leaders filed a petition with the police seeking criminal action against the minister.

Informed sources told The Federal Ponmudy’s stature within the DMK has diminished following the backlash and demand for legal action.

A senior DMK leader told The Federal the party high command is deeply upset by Ponmudy’s remarks and is determined to discipline him this time, unlike earlier instances when he was let off lightly. “Ponmudy is a five-time MLA and was a college professor before entering full-time politics. This isn’t the first time his statements have damaged the party’s image,” the leader said on the condition of anonymity.

Earlier controversies

“His past remarks on women and migrant workers drew flak. But this time, his speech was even discussed in the Assembly. His removal from the party post is a warning to him and to other seniors in the DMK,” the leader added.

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Ponmudy earlier courted controversy for speaking about women availing free bus rides under a government scheme and for ridiculing migrant workers as 'pani puri sellers'.

Now, his remarks targeting women and Hindu religious identities have triggered criticism even within his own party.

Kanimozhi attacks Ponmudy

After his speech at an event organized by the Thanthai Periyar Dravidar Kazhagam on April 6 went viral on social media, DMK MP Kanimozhi publicly condemned his words on X.

She posted: “The recent speech of minister Ponmudy is not acceptable. Whatever the reason, such vulgar words are condemnable.”

Following pressure from the party high command and his removal from the senior party post, Ponmudy issued an apology. But his apology and the action taken by his party did not put an end to the blazing controversy.

Women up in arms

B Renuka, director of the Centre for Women’s Development and Research, says that Ponmudy’s distasteful comments could affect women within his own party.

Speaking to The Federal, Renuka said: “We welcome the criticism from Kanimozhi. At the same time, we must acknowledge that a senior leader like Ponmudy — who advises Chief Minister MK Stalin on various projects — should be fully aware of the impact his words have in public forums. His speech could encourage men in his own party to ridicule women.”

And considering Ponmudy’s remarks, she wondered if the DMK introduced schemes to truly empower women or to simply to attract women voters.

BJP targets Ponmudy

BJP Mahila Morcha national president and Coimbatore South MLA Vanathi Srinivasan slammed the DMK’s internal disciplinary action as “mere eyewash”.

“How is Ponmudy fit to be a cabinet minister when he’s not even considered fit for a party post?” she asked. She said Stalin should immediately sack him from the cabinet and initiate legal action for insulting women and the Hindu faith.

Separately, BJP state secretary A Ashvathaman also filed a complaint with the Chennai Police Commissioner, alleging that Ponmudy’s remarks were intended to outrage religious sentiments and incite division among communities.