DMK reinstates Ponmudy in party post after axing over derogatory remarks; elevates Saminathan

CHENNAI: Nearly seven months after being stripped of his party post and ministerial berth over controversial remarks on women, senior DMK leader K Ponmudy has been reinstated as one of the party's deputy general secretaries. Tamil Development and Information Minister MP Saminathan has been elevated as one of the deputy general secretaries.

The announcement, issued by DMK president and Chief Minister MK Stalin, said the appointments were made under Rule 17, section 3 of the party constitution.

Ponmudy, who was removed from the post on April 11 after a video of his derogatory comments made at a public event went viral, has now been restored to his organisational position — marking a political comeback within the party.

Following Saminathan's elevation, L Padmanaban has been appointed as the new DMK in-charge for Tirupur (east) district. Padmanaban, who previously held charge of Tirupur (south), will be succeeded there by MP K Easwarasamy.

DMK general secretary Duraimurugan urged district-level functionaries to extend full cooperation to the newly appointed in-charges.

In a separate announcement, the DMK reorganised the Vellore district unit into Vellore (north) and Vellore (south) for administrative convenience. MLA AP Nandakumar has been appointed as the party's in-charge for Vellore (south), which covers the Vellore, Anaikattu, and Gudiyatham Assembly constituencies. MP DM Kathir Anand, son of general secretary Duraimurugan, will serve as the in-charge for Vellore (north), comprising the Katpadi and Kilvaithiyanankuppam Assembly segments.