48 minutes ago
Last Updated:November 28, 2025, 18:29 IST
The minister is seen watching and enthusiastically applauding a dance performance by young women in 'scantily-dressed' or 'semi-nude' costumes
The incident puts the party's leadership, including Chief Minister MK Stalin (above) and Deputy CM Udhayanidhi Stalin, under intense pressure to address the actions of their cabinet minister. (File pic/News18 Tamil)
Tamil Nadu Minister for Co-operatives, KR Periyakaruppan, has ignited a political firestorm after a video surfaced online showing him seated in the front row, watching and enthusiastically applauding a dance performance by young women in “scantily dressed" or “semi-nude" costumes. The controversial performance was reportedly part of the birthday celebrations organised for Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin.
The viral footage has triggered a wave of outrage across social media and fierce criticism from opposition parties, who argue that the minister’s conduct is unbecoming of a public servant and a grave lapse in public decorum. In the video, Periyakaruppan is seen seated alongside other district-level DMK functionaries. Critics further allege that the minister appeared to gesture and invite the female performers to come closer to him and dance in front of the stage, which he then applauded heartily.
கேளிக்கைகளில் மட்டுமே மூழ்கி களிப்புறுவதற்கு அரசுப் பதவி எதற்கு?எவ்வித தகுதியுமின்றி வாரிசு அடிப்படையில் மட்டுமே இன்று துணை முதல்வர் பதவியில் அமர்ந்திருக்கும் ஒருவரின் பிறந்தநாளை மூத்த அமைச்சர்கள் கொண்டாடுவது என்பதே அடிமைத்தனத்தின் உச்சம். இதில் அந்த விழாவை ஆபாச விழாவாக மாற்றி… pic.twitter.com/TaVud0aksU
— BJP Tamilnadu (@BJP4TamilNadu) November 27, 2025
The Tamil Nadu unit of the BJP reacted strongly to the incident, issuing a sharp statement that cast the episode as a reflection of the ruling party’s disrespect for women. “How can women in Tamil Nadu raise their grievances when they must depend on leaders who summon women in semi-nude attire, make them dance close to them, and applaud in enjoyment?" the BJP questioned in a lengthy social media post, calling the incident a “grave disgrace".
The All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) also weighed in, with party leader Pasupathy Senthil condemning the DMK minister’s behaviour and implying it pointed to a disregard for Tamil culture and traditional values.
While the DMK has yet to issue an official response to the controversy, the incident puts the party’s leadership, including Chief Minister MK Stalin and Deputy CM Udhayanidhi Stalin, under intense pressure to address the actions of their cabinet minister. Critics are demanding clarity on the party’s stance regarding the appropriateness of such performances at official party functions, particularly those attended by high-ranking government officials.
The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d...Read More
The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d...
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First Published:
November 28, 2025, 18:28 IST
News politics Tamil Nadu Political Firestorm: DMK Minister Faces Opposition Ire Over Controversial Dance Video
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