A political storm has erupted in Tamil Nadu after a video surfaced allegedly showing state minister S. Periyakaruppan watching and applauding what critics describe as an “obscene” dance performance during the birthday celebrations of Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin. The video, widely shared online and cited by media reports, has triggered intense criticism from the opposition, particularly the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which has accused the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) of ethical and administrative failures.

According to reports, the event took place during Udhayanidhi Stalin’s birthday celebrations, where Periyakaruppan was seen seated in the front row alongside district-level DMK functionaries. A dance troupe performed on stage, with women dressed in what has been described as “semi-nude” costumes. The minister allegedly watched the performance attentively and applauded at several moments. Some critics have even claimed that he gestured to the performers to move closer, though these claims remain part of the public discourse rather than formally verified findings.

The footage quickly drew the attention of the Tamil Nadu BJP unit, which publicly condemned the incident in strong terms. In a post on X, the party described the affair as “a grave disgrace,” asserting that it undermines the dignity expected from someone holding a ministerial position. The BJP’s criticism sharpened further as it questioned Periyakaruppan’s dedication to public service, arguing that indulging in such entertainment at a political event reflects poorly on the state’s governance standards.

The BJP’s statement raised pointed questions regarding the treatment of women in Tamil Nadu, suggesting that leaders who allegedly summon women in revealing outfits to perform for entertainment should not be entrusted with addressing genuine grievances raised by women in the state. The party linked this incident to broader issues within the state, arguing that the ruling party has failed on multiple fronts, including women’s safety, law and order, healthcare, and corruption control.

In its post, the BJP stated that the Tamil Nadu government machinery has deteriorated due to ongoing issues such as law and order disruptions, health sector deficiencies, and widespread corruption. It argued that the incident involving Periyakaruppan epitomizes the alleged moral and administrative decay within the ruling dispensation. The party ended its critique by asserting that the DMK cannot be expected to offer “civilized governance,” claiming that the party has historically promoted a form of politics centered around sensationalism and disregard for ethical conduct.

The controversy has quickly expanded beyond a discussion of the video alone, becoming a focal point for political rivalry between the BJP and the DMK. Opponents of the ruling party have seized upon the incident as an example of what they perceive to be the government’s misplaced priorities and deteriorating public values. Supporters of the opposition argue that such episodes demonstrate a lack of seriousness among ministers responsible for public welfare and policy execution.

The incident has also sparked broader conversations about moral conduct in public office. Many critics on social media have expressed concern that elected representatives must adhere to higher standards of behavior, especially in public or politically affiliated gatherings. The fact that the video was reportedly recorded at an event linked to the deputy chief minister’s birthday has further amplified the controversy, as detractors argue that such settings should not serve as platforms for performances that could be deemed inappropriate or offensive to public sensibilities.

Meanwhile, the DMK leadership has not issued an official statement addressing the incident. The absence of a response has drawn additional criticism from the BJP, which claims that silence from the ruling party suggests either tacit approval or an unwillingness to hold its members accountable. Political observers note that the DMK’s reaction, or lack thereof, will likely play a role in shaping public perception as the controversy continues to develop.

The debate surrounding the video reflects the larger political climate in Tamil Nadu, where rivalry between the BJP and the DMK has intensified in recent years. As both parties vie for influence and public support, incidents such as this become pivotal points of contention, shaping narratives about governance, accountability, and the moral expectations placed on political leaders.

As the story continues to gain traction, questions remain regarding the authenticity of the footage, the context of the performance, and the minister’s intent. Regardless of these variables, the incident underscores the scrutiny under which public figures operate and the swift political consequences that can arise from actions captured in the digital age.

Until the DMK provides clarification or an official response, the political discourse is likely to remain dominated by the BJP’s accusations and public speculation. The incident, seemingly minor in isolation, has evolved into a flashpoint in Tamil Nadu’s vibrant political landscape, highlighting both the power of visual media in shaping public opinion and the deep political divides that characterize the state’s current climate.