Tamil Nadu Human Resources Minister D. Sarathkumar is facing political backlash after an old video showing him handling a white powder resurfaced Friday [1].
The incident has created a political storm in Tamil Nadu because it coincides with an anti-drug campaign led by Chief Minister Vijay [2]. The optics of a high-ranking official appearing to handle an unidentified substance challenge the administration's public stance on narcotics.
In the footage, which was recorded during an Indian Premier League match, the minister is seen using a smartphone screen as a surface [1]. He is shown using an ATM card and a 500 rupee note [3] to spread the white powder-like substance.
Following the viral spread of the clip on social media, the minister addressed the controversy. He said the white powder was medicine [1].
Opponents and social media users have disputed this explanation, alleging that the substance could be narcotics [2]. The video has sparked a row involving several political factions, including the MDMK, as critics question the validity of the minister's explanation given the methods used to handle the powder [2].
Government officials have not announced a formal investigation into the origins of the video or the nature of the substance, but the political pressure continues to mount as the footage circulates widely [1].
“The minister said the white powder was medicine.”
This controversy highlights the volatility of digital footprints for public officials in India. Because the video resurfaced during a specific policy push against drug abuse by Chief Minister Vijay, the incident transforms from a personal matter into a political liability that may undermine the government's credibility in its anti-narcotics campaign.
