Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay is facing fresh political pressure after a viral video involving one of his cabinet ministers triggered serious allegations and protests from opposition parties.
The controversy centers on Tamil Nadu Human Resources Management Minister D. Sarathkumar, who has denied allegations of drug use after an old IPL-related video resurfaced on social media. In the video, the minister is seen handling a white powder-like substance on a mobile phone screen with a card, leading to widespread speculation online. The video has not independently established that the substance was an illegal drug, and the minister has rejected the allegation.
Sarathkumar Denies Drug Allegations
Sarathkumar responded to the controversy by saying the substance seen in the video was not drugs but medicine meant for his daughter. According to reports, he claimed he was crushing a tablet and that the video was being misinterpreted for political reasons.
The clarification came after the clip spread widely on social media and was used by opposition leaders to question the conduct of the minister. Reports said the controversy gained further attention because the video surfaced around the time the Tamil Nadu government was publicly promoting anti-drug awareness.
DMK Steps Up Attack On Vijay Government
The DMK has seized on the issue and demanded action against Sarathkumar. Party workers and student wing members have staged protests in Chennai, calling for the minister’s dismissal and legal action over the video row.
The opposition has accused the Vijay-led government of failing to act firmly against a minister facing such allegations. However, Sarathkumar’s side has maintained that the accusation is politically motivated and that the substance in the video was only medicine.
Pressure Builds On CM Vijay
The controversy has now put the focus on Chief Minister Vijay, who is under pressure to respond to the allegations against his cabinet colleague. Opposition parties are demanding that the minister be removed if the allegations are found to be true.
For Vijay, the issue comes at a sensitive time as his government is trying to project itself as serious about governance and public discipline. Any delay in responding could give opposition parties more space to attack the administration, while a hasty action without proof could also raise questions.
At present, there is no official confirmation that the substance in the video was illegal. The controversy remains based on a viral clip, opposition allegations and the minister’s denial. The next move from the Chief Minister’s office will be closely watched, as it could determine whether the matter remains a social media controversy or becomes a larger political crisis for the Vijay government.
