Internal Politics or Forgiveness? DMK Restores Ponmudi to Leadership Role

DMK has reinstated senior leader and former Tamil Nadu Minister K Ponmudi as the party’s Deputy General Secretary, months after he was ousted for making highly offensive and sexist remarks at a public event. The decision, confirmed on Tuesday, comes despite widespread condemnation earlier this year when a viral video exposed Ponmudi joking about Hindu religious identities in a lewd manner, linking Shaivites and Vaishnavites to explicit sexual positions in what he claimed was humor.

The controversial clip, recorded during a public gathering, showed Ponmudi crudely stating that one sect’s posture was “lying down” while the other’s was “standing up,” drawing immediate fury from women’s rights advocates, political opponents, and the public. BJP leaders, including Tamil Nadu unit chief K Annamalai, lambasted the DMK for fostering “vulgar political discourse,” while actor-turned-politician Khushbu Sundar demanded accountability from Chief Minister MK Stalin. Vocal critic and singer Chinmayi Sripaada also condemned the remarks, accusing Ponmudi of normalizing misogyny under the pretext of comedy.

Following the intense backlash, the DMK acted swiftly at the time, stripping Ponmudi of his powerful party position and appointing Tiruchi N Siva in his place, signaling zero tolerance for such behavior. The move was seen as damage control to protect the party’s image ahead of elections. However, his quiet reinstatement to the exact same role has sparked fresh controversy, with critics questioning whether internal pressures or political calculations prompted the leadership to overlook the earlier disciplinary action.

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Adding to the complexity, the Madras High Court last month closed a suo motu contempt petition against Ponmudi over the same remarks, ruling there was no prima facie evidence to proceed. Justice N Sathish Kumar, while dismissing the case, issued a stern advisory that public figures must exercise restraint in their speech. The court permitted over 100 complainants to pursue individual cases through local magistrates, leaving the door open for further legal challenges despite the party’s decision to bring him back.

This reinstatement raises serious questions about the DMK’s commitment to gender sensitivity and accountability within its ranks, especially as Tamil Nadu gears up for political battles. With Ponmudi—a veteran legislator and influential figure—now restored to a top organizational post, opponents are likely to weaponize the issue, while women’s groups and civil society watch closely to see if the party will face renewed pressure to justify welcoming back a leader previously censured for demeaning women and religious sentiments.

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