Law Minister S. Regupathy on Friday said that the comments of Forest Minister K. Ponmudy, which led to a huge political and public outrage after a video clip of his remarks went viral, could be “casual” and “slip of the tongue”.

He was responding to a question on the lewd remarks made by Mr. Ponmudy which led the party high command to strip him of the party post.  Speaking to journalists at Pudukottai, Mr. Regupathy said “we only speak emphasising the policies of the DMK” claiming that none in the DMK would speak wantonly.

Asked whether it was acceptable on the part of a Minister to make such a comment, Mr. Regupathy said he did not have the right to express his view about a senior Minister. To a question whether any action would be taken to sack Mr. Ponmudy from the cabinet, Mr. Regupathy said only Chief Minister M.K. Stalin who is the leader of the party had the right to take a decision on this issue.

Mr. Regupathy said the DMK-led alliance was strong and unchallenged and was being guided by the Chief Minister. He claimed that there was no “anti-incumbency” against the DMK government.  Asked about Home Minister Amit Shah’s visit to Tamil Nadu, Mr. Regupathy said Mr. Shah’s visit would not affect the DMK as his strategies would not work in the State.