Controversy Erupts Over Viral Video of DMK Minister at Birthday Even

New Delhi, November 29, 2025: A viral video showing a Tamil Nadu Minister, S. Periyakaruppan, attending and applauding a dance performance by scantily-dressed female performers at a birthday celebration has sparked a major political row in the state. The event was held in the Sivaganga district to celebrate the birthday of Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin.

The video, which has circulated widely on social media, shows Minister Periyakaruppan, a member of the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) party, seated in the front row alongside other party functionaries. The performance, featuring young women dancing on stage, has been widely criticized as “obscene” and “unbecoming” of a public official.

Allegations of Impropriety

The main point of contention revolves around the nature of the dance and the Minister’s alleged actions during the performance. Multiple news reports and social media users have alleged that the Minister not only applauded the performance but also made gestures that appeared to invite the female dancers to come down from the stage and dance closer to him.

Critics argue that a public representative should uphold a certain standard of decorum, and openly enjoying or encouraging such a display—described by some as a perceived disrespect to women and Tamil culture—is unacceptable. The controversy has put the DMK on the defensive, forcing the party to face questions about the appropriateness of the entertainment arranged at a public-facing event for one of its key leaders.

Political Backlash

The video has drawn sharp and immediate criticism from opposition parties.

• The Tamil Nadu unit of the BJP reacted strongly, calling the incident a “grave disgrace.” In a lengthy post on social media, the party questioned how women in the state could approach leaders like this for help with grievances, given the leaders’ apparent enjoyment of the display.
• The All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) also condemned the incident. A party leader, Pasupathy Senthil, voiced concerns about the lack of public decorum displayed.

The political rivals are using the video to attack the DMK’s stance on women’s dignity and cultural values, urging the party leadership to provide a clear explanation for the inclusion and nature of the performance.

DMK’s Silence and Public Reaction

So far, the DMK party has not issued an official response to the controversy. This silence has further fuelled the backlash, with critics demanding that the leadership clarify its position and address the misconduct claims against the minister.

Online, the public reaction has been overwhelmingly negative. Social media users have amplified the outrage, questioning the party’s principles and whether such acts align with the professed values of the DMK. The situation highlights the increased scrutiny public figures face in the age of viral videos, where actions at private or party-funded events can quickly become major public and political scandals. The full extent of the political damage and any potential disciplinary action remains to be seen.