India, Nov. 28 -- Tamil Nadu minister S Periyakaruppan is facing sharp criticism after a purported video surfaced showing him watching and applauding a dance performance by women in "semi-nude" costumes during deputy chief minister Udhayanidhi Stalin's birthday celebrations.

The Tamil Nadu BJP reacted strongly, saying the episode reflected poorly on those in power. The party also questioned why a minister would hold a government post "just to indulge solely in entertainment and revelry."

The footage, widely circulated online, shows Periyakaruppan seated in the front row alongside district-level Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) functionaries as a troupe performs on stage, a report in India Today said, citing the video.

The video has trig...