New Delhi [India], April 12 (ANI): BJP leader Syed Zafar Islam has called out Tamil Nadu Forest Minister K. Ponmudi and the ruling DMK over alleged offensive remarks targeting Vaishnavites, Shaivites, and Hindi-speaking citizens.

In a statement, Zafar Islam condemned Ponmudi for reportedly mocking sacred Hindu symbols and referring to Hindi-speaking individuals as 'pani puri sellers,' labeling the comments as disrespectful to Sanatan Dharma.

'The DMK in Tamil Nadu stands exposed. Forest Minister K. Ponmudi has made deeply offensive remarks, insulting Vaishnavites and Shaivites and belittling Hindi-speaking citizens by calling them 'pani puri sellers.'His repeated disrespect towards Sanatan Dharma is unacceptable. Shockingly, the DMK has taken no disciplinary action against him, despite his disrespectful statements,' said Zafar Islam.

Earlier, Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) dismissed Tamil Nadu Forest Minister K Ponmudy from the position of Deputy General Secretary in the party, following his reported controversial remarks on Hinduism and women.

Ponmudy's remarks drew sharp criticism from the Bharatiya Janata Party.

CR Kesavan demanded his removal from the Ministerial post, stating that he has no 'moral rights' to stay as Minister.

Moreover, Kesavan criticised the ruling DMK and accused them of indulging in 'mere eyewash' by removing him from just the party's position and not from the Tamil Nadu cabinet.

Taking to social media post on X, the BJP leader wrote, 'When the State Emblem of Tamilnadu is a Sacred Temple Gopuram, Ponmudi, after his perverted statements deliberately attacking sacred Hindu symbols to crude sexual innuendos, he has no moral right to continue as Minister of TN Government. DMK is indulging in mere eyewash by removing him from just from the party position. This vile individual should at once be sacked as a Minister.'

DMK MP Kanizmozhi also condemned Minister Ponmudy's remarks, calling them 'unacceptable.'

'Minister Ponmudy's recent speech is unacceptable. Regardless of the reason for the speech, such vulgar remarks are condemnable,' Kanimozhi posted on X.

DMK Minister K Ponmudy had purportedly made a 'joke' about two different sects of Hinduism, Shaivism and Viashnavism, drawing criticism from multiple leaders. (ANI)