AIADMK demands Minister Ponmudy’s removal from Cabinet

Removing Minister K. Ponmudy from the DMK party post is nothing but an eyewash and Chief Minister M.K. Stalin must sack his colleague from the Cabinet, said AIADMK MLA and Deputy Leader in the Legislative Assembly R.B. Udayakumar, in Madurai on Friday (April 11, 2025).

Removing Minister K. Ponmudy from the DMK party post is nothing but an eyewash and Chief Minister M.K. Stalin must sack his colleague from the Cabinet, said AIADMK MLA and Deputy Leader in the Legislative Assembly R.B. Udayakumar, in Madurai on Friday (April 11, 2025).

Mr. Ponmudy was stripped of his post of DMK deputy general secretary earlier on Friday over certain misogynistic remarks, visuals of which have gone viral on social media.

In a press release, Mr. Udayakumar said that Mr. Ponmudy’s speech was not only an insult to women but also attacked the Hindu religion. The CM’s decision to remove Mr. Ponmudy from the deputy general secretary post cannot be treated as a stern action. Instead, he should be sacked from the Cabinet, he added.

Speaking ill of women and the Hindu religion only reflects the “DNA of the DMK” and its leaders, he said, adding that HR&CE Minister Sekar Babu must also condemn Mr. Ponmudy’s statement as it hurt the sentiments of Hindus.

Mr. Ponmudy remarks, which have gone viral on social media, had crossed all limits of decency, he said. “This is not the first time he (Ponmudy) has spoken ill about women and the Hindu religion. The DMK leaders, especially those who claim to be ardent devotees of Meenakshi and Sundareswarar in Madurai and have visited the shrine, should voice their concerns openly,” Mr. Udayakumar demanded.

The AIADMK leader said it was shameful of the DMK and its high command to allow Mr. Ponmudy to continue as a Minister. “He has lost respect from the people, and women are thoroughly annoyed. Considering the ground reality, the CM should sack Mr. Ponmudy forthwith,” he stressed.