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.
கேளிக்கைகளில் மட்டுமே மூழ்கி களிப்புறுவதற்கு அரசுப் பதவி எதற்கு?
— BJP Tamilnadu (@BJP4TamilNadu) November 27, 2025
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
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.