Chennai: A viral video showing Tamil Nadu Human Resources Development Minister D. Sarathkumar allegedly arranging a white powdered substance with an ATM card while seated at a cricket stadium has sparked a political controversy, prompting the TVK leader to issue a public clarification denying any drug use.

The footage, widely circulated on social media this week, shows Sarathkumar seated in the stands of Chennai's M.A. Chidambaram Stadium. In the video, he appears to use a card to line up a white powder-like substance on a mobile phone screen, while a Rs 500 note and a cloth held by his wife seemingly shield the activity from public view.

The visuals quickly triggered speculation online, with several users alleging that the minister was consuming narcotic substances. The controversy gained further traction after finding out that the clip was carrying the phrase "Thug Life Moment" as the caption.

As criticism mounted, Sarathkumar released a video statement alongside his wife, insisting that the substance seen in the footage was not a drug but a prescribed medicine prepared for his young child.

According to the minister, the incident took place nearly two years ago during an IPL match in Chennai. He said his daughter, who was around 18 months old at the time, had fallen ill during the outing and refused to take a tablet in its original form.

"My child was unwell and would not consume the medicine directly. I crushed the prescribed tablet into powder so it could be mixed with water and given to her," Sarathkumar said in the clarification video.

His wife corroborated the account, stating that the video captured a routine parenting moment that was now being misrepresented as evidence of substance abuse.

Rejecting the allegations, the minister questioned the logic behind the claims, arguing that the incident occurred in a packed stadium under extensive police security and CCTV surveillance.

"How could anyone openly consume drugs in such a public place surrounded by thousands of spectators and security personnel?" he asked.

Despite the explanation, the controversy has continued to generate political reactions. The timing of the video's circulation has drawn attention, as it surfaced on the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, coinciding with anti-drug awareness initiatives led by the Tamil Nadu government.

Opposition leaders have demanded greater clarity, with some calling for an independent inquiry to conclusively establish the facts and address public concerns arising from the viral footage.