‘Not a Drug, It Was Medicine’: Sarath Kumar Responds as Viral Video Fuels Political Row

A resurfaced video allegedly showing Tamil Nadu Minister D. Sarath Kumar crushing a tablet-like substance during an IPL match has triggered a political controversy, with opposition parties demanding action and questioning the conduct of the minister.

The old video, which has gone viral on social media, shows Sarath Kumar appearing to crush a white tablet while watching the match with his wife and daughter. The footage resurfaced amid ongoing political debates over drug-related issues in the state, prompting opposition parties to target the newly inducted minister.

The DMK student wing staged a protest in Chennai on Monday, demanding Sarath Kumar’s resignation and alleging that the issue required a serious response. Police denied permission for the agitation near Rajarathinam Stadium, citing restrictions, and detained over 20 protesters for violating the order. The demonstrators said their protest was aimed at protecting young people from drug abuse and questioned the prevention of a peaceful demonstration.

Sarath Kumar, who was inducted as Human Resources Management Minister in Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay’s newly formed Cabinet, denied allegations that the substance was a drug. He clarified that the video was around two years old and that he had crushed a medicine tablet to make it easier for his daughter, who had fallen ill during the IPL match, to consume. He said the claims circulating on social media were misleading.

Opposition leaders, however, continued to criticise the minister. DMDK general secretary Premalatha Vijayakanth called the video “highly condemnable” and said public representatives must maintain responsibility and set an appropriate example, especially as Sarath Kumar now holds a ministerial position.

The controversy also drew attention because the video surfaced around the time the state government was highlighting its anti-drug campaign. Sarath Kumar was not a minister when the incident reportedly occurred, but opposition parties argued that public scrutiny was necessary given his current position.

Meanwhile, the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) distanced itself from the controversy, stating that the party had no connection with the incident and maintaining that the matter concerned the minister personally.