Published Mar 17, 2026 | 2:57 PM ⚊ Updated Mar 17, 2026 | 3:56 PM
Representational image. Credit: iStock
Synopsis: Allegations of sexual misconduct have rocked Tamil Nadu’s Secular Progressive Alliance. On 13 March, DMK demoted student wing secretary R. Rajiv Gandhi after screenshots of alleged inappropriate chats surfaced, while CPI expelled Mathur Sathya on 16 March over serious accusations and pledged legal action. The controversies have sparked intense social media debate and criticism of the alliance.
In Tamil Nadu, allegations of sexual misconduct against two individuals associated with the Secular Progressive Alliance over the past week have triggered widespread discussion. While one person has been expelled from his party, another has been demoted, drawing significant attention.
On 13 March, R. Rajiv Gandhi, who had been serving as DMK’s student wing secretary, was reassigned as the party’s deputy propaganda secretary. The move followed allegations—based on screenshots circulated on social media—that he had engaged in inappropriate conversations with women online.
Subsequently, on 16 March, the Communist Party of India (CPI), also a constituent of the Secular Progressive Alliance, announced the expulsion of Mathur Sathya, a party member, AISCUF state secretary and social media personality who frequently appeared in television debates, following sexual misconduct allegations. The party also stated that legal action would be initiated against him.
On 13 March, DMK leadership announced the reassignment of Rajiv Gandhi from student wing secretary to deputy propaganda secretary. Soon after, the party appointed Veeramani Jayakumar as the new student wing secretary—marking the first time a woman was given the post.
Rajiv Gandhi’s sudden removal after serving in the position for over a year raised questions. Around the same time, screenshots allegedly showing him engaging in sexually inappropriate conversations with women on Instagram began circulating widely on social media.
A person close to Rajiv Gandhi, speaking on condition of anonymity, claimed that the screenshots were fabricated and part of an internal conspiracy. “Two senior party leaders, unable to tolerate his growth, orchestrated this. The screenshots are completely fake,” the source said.
Supporters of Rajiv Gandhi have also maintained that the screenshots are not genuine. However, these claims could not be independently verified.
When inquiries were made within DMK circles regarding the alleged involvement of senior leaders, names including Deputy General Secretary Kanimozhi Karunanidhi and A. Raja were mentioned.
A source close to Kanimozhi stated, “She was the one who took the complaints against Rajiv Gandhi to the party leadership. This issue dates back to before the Trichy conference. Several women directly approached her with complaints. She even has video evidence, based on which she escalated the matter to the leadership, following which action was taken.”
Meanwhile, sources close to Rajiv Gandhi claimed that the party leadership remains supportive of him, and that leaders including Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin and School Education Minister Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi had assured him that they would “take care of the situation.”
Even as the controversy surrounding Rajiv Gandhi continued to dominate social media, fresh allegations emerged against Mathur Sathya of the CPI.
According to sources within the party and Sathya’s circle, he has been accused by multiple women of engaging in sexual relationships and allegedly recording and sharing videos —an allegation that has caused shock.
Following internal discussions involving party lawyers and members who spoke to the complainants and examined evidence, the CPI’s South Chennai district committee, along with State Secretary M. Veerapandian, decided to expel Sathya.
In an official statement, the CPI’s South Chennai district committee said that based on a complaint of sexual misconduct submitted by a third party, it had decided to remove Sathya from all party responsibilities. The party also confirmed that a complaint would be filed with the Greater Chennai Police Commissioner, ensuring legal action.
As the issue gained traction online, many users criticised Sathya and shared posts condemning his alleged actions.
In response, Sathya issued a statement on social media, saying: “No one has asked for my side in this issue. I have done everything only with explicit consent. My silence should not be taken as an admission of guilt. I will prove my innocence in the appropriate forum.”
Sathya, known for advocating leftist ideology and participating in TV debates in support of the INDIA alliance, has now come under heavy scrutiny. Social media users have pointed to these incidents to criticise the alliance, with some alleging that such individuals are being promoted within these parties.
Similarly, critics have argued that DMK’s action against Rajiv Gandhi amounts to mere “tokenism,” given that he was only reassigned rather than removed.
Members of Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), AIADMK, and others have amplified these issues on social media, making them go viral. The developments are being seen as a minor setback for the Secular Progressive Alliance.
