The ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) in Tamil Nadu is facing backlash as videos surfaced online showing the Tamil Nadu Co-operation Minister, K.R. Periyakaruppan, "enthusiastically" enjoying "kuthuattam" of "scantly dressed" women. The performance was reportedly organised as part of Tamil Nadu Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin's birthday celebrations.
A video has surfaced online showing the senior DMK minister clapping and enjoying a 'record dance', a performance usually prohibited during public events for its obscenity. In the footage, the minister is seen sitting in the front row and applauding the performance. The minister also allegedly invited the dancers to perform closer to him.
The ruling DMK is facing severe backlash over the video. The Opposition All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) slammed the government and questioned the safety of women in a state where ministers are seen applauding such performances.
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"How can women in Tamil Nadu voice their grievances when they have to rely on @arivalayam leaders who summon women in semi-nude attire close by, make them dance, and clap in enjoyment?" charged the BJP in a post on X.
BJP legislator Vanathi Srinivasan questioned whether this was DMK' "feminism". " Is this your women's rights? Is this social justice? In 2026, women will put an end to all this. Just as women's votes played a crucial role in echoing victory in Bihar, a definite change will surely happen in Tamil Nadu as well," she tweeted.