DMK Minister’s Presence at Dancers’ Performance

New Delhi, November 29, 2025: A political row has erupted in Tamil Nadu following the viral circulation of a video showing a state minister, S. Periyakaruppan, seated in the audience while a group of women dancers performed on stage during a birthday celebration. The event, held in the Sivaganga district, was organized to mark the birthday of Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin. The footage quickly became a flashpoint, with opposition parties accusing the ruling DMK of promoting behavior that allegedly undermines Tamil culture and the dignity of women.

The Performance Is Criticized

The controversial video captured a group of young women dancers performing on a stage set up for the celebratory event. Minister S. Periyakaruppan was seen seated in the front row, along with other district-level party functionaries, watching and applauding the performance. Reports also included allegations that the minister had gestures that invited the performers to dance closer to the front of the stage.

The clip’s content was immediately seized upon by opposition parties, particularly the BJP and the AIADMK. The display was publicly described as “obscene” and unbefitting a public representative. Questions were sharply raised about the government’s priorities and its sensitivity toward women’s issues, with critics arguing that such spectacles reflect poorly on the administration.

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Accusations and Defense Are Mounted

The BJP unit in Tamil Nadu reacted strongly, utilizing social media to condemn the incident as a “grave disgrace.” Statements were issued asking how women in the state could approach DMK leaders for grievances when they were seen applauding such performances. Previous controversies involving the minister were also referenced by the opposition, further intensifying the attack.

In defense, sources within the DMK party pushed back against the accusations. It was claimed that the performers had not been officially invited by the minister or the party organizers. Instead, it was asserted that the group of women had approached the venue on their own initiative and joined the festivities voluntarily. Furthermore, the DMK attempted to counter the criticism by alleging that similar cultural displays had been featured at functions organized by the AIADMK in the past.

Cultural Debate Is Amplified

The incident, regardless of the differing political interpretations, has amplified an already charged debate in Tamil Nadu regarding cultural norms, the public portrayal of women, and the expected conduct of elected officials. The opposition has argued that the ruling government is being distracted by such festivities while critical issues related to law and order and governance are being neglected.

Meanwhile, DMK representatives have maintained that the controversy has been exaggerated solely for political gain. Nevertheless, the viral nature of the video has successfully turned a private political celebration into a major public flashpoint, demonstrating how quickly and broadly the conduct of public figures is scrutinized in the digital age.