Minister applauds scantily-dressed dancer at Udananiydhi Stalin's birthday; sparks row
What's the story
Tamil Nadu Minister S Periyakaruppan is facing backlash after a video of him surfaced applauding a dance performance by scantily-dressed girls at Deputy Chief Minister Udayanidhi Stalin's birthday party. Social media users have called the performance obscene and inappropriate for a public figure to endorse. The footage shows Periyakaruppan sitting in the front row with district-level party members as the dancers perform on stage.
Accusations unfold
Allegations of minister inviting dancers to perform closely
The video also appears to show Periyakaruppan allegedly asking the performers to come down from the stage and dance closer. Sharing a video from the event, the Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) Tamil Nadu unit called the incident "a grave disgrace." They questioned how women could raise grievances when leaders like Periyakaruppan summon "women in semi-nude attire, make them dance close to them, and applaud women in enjoyment."
Twitter Post
BJP shares video
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
Public decorum
AIADMK leader criticizes minister's behavior
The All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) also slammed Periyakaruppan's actions. "It seems you are unaware of 'big Karuppan's' past. Thankfully, this happened in daylight. Otherwise, one shudders to imagine what could have unfolded," AIADMK leader Pasupathy Senthil said. One user asked if this was DMK's version of feminism and dignity. Another user commented, "Filthy scoundrels. Is this Tamil culture for them?" Some users also shared an old video allegedly showing Periyakaruppan in a compromising position with a woman.