DMK Minister for Handlooms and Textiles, R. Gandhi, has stirred controversy after aligning himself with caste pride during a government school event that aimed to celebrate the school’s centenary. The incident, which took place on 4 February 2025, has since gone viral.
R. Gandhi attended an event organized by the School Education Department at the Vannivedu Boys Government Higher Secondary School in Ranipet district. The event was held to honor the school’s rich history, which dates back to its establishment in 1867, and to celebrate its notable alumni it produced, such as figures like Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, Mu. Varadarajan, former Mizoram Governor Padmanaban, and former Election Commissioner V. M. Sambath, among others. During his speech, R. Gandhi proudly mentioned a person from his caste, smiling as he said, “Now I’ve mentioned his name, he’s Naidu, he belongs to our caste, but he won’t cast his vote for me.” This statement drew widespread backlash and criticism for its display of caste-based pride in a government school setting.
சமூக நீதி ஆட்சின்னு சொல்லிக்கிட்டு….
அப்புறம் காந்தின்னு பேர் வச்சுக்கிட்டு….
இப்படி எல்லாம் சாதி பேசலாமா?
அப்படின்னு மக்கள் கேக்குறாங்க, ஐயா! @R_Gandhi_MLA @CMOTamilnadu | @tvkvijayhq | @tvkpartyupdate | @TVKVijayTrends | @CTR_Nirmalkumar #DMKFailsTN pic.twitter.com/QMoZ3ywFyl— TVK-WOMEN-WING (@sushmiuma) February 5, 2025
Similar to DMK Minister R. Gandhi, last month, DMK Minister for Commercial Taxes, Registration, and Stamp Act, P. Moorthy, also faced criticism for referring to his community as the “ruling class” (aanda parambarai). He further claimed that the historical sacrifices made by this particular caste during British colonial rule had been deliberately erased from history, in a public speech that was widely criticized for being laced with casteism in a school event celebrating centenary.
During his address at Thamukkam Maidan in Madurai District, Minister Moorthy emphasized the importance of acknowledging the contributions of various communities during India’s struggle for independence. “We must recognize that our history contains accounts of immense sacrifices,” he stated.
“I am saying we must keep in mind that we are the ruling class (aanda parambarai). History has been hidden – you have read about it. While the deaths of a few today may gain significant attention, history reveals that thousands laid down their lives for freedom. You must show it to the country too. Today there is a history – be it Alagar Koil or Thirumogoor koil, when the British invaded us and looted us, this community sacrificed 5000 of their own. This history has been hidden.” The minister cited instances of collective sacrifice, claiming that one community lost 5,000 members during the British invasion, and 16 individuals were shot dead near Usilampatti.
He lamented that such stories of heroism remain largely unknown due to a lack of educational advancement in the past. “Even though we excelled in agriculture and industry, our history was hidden. Thankfully, this is changing now,” he remarked, adding that he appreciated the community’s progress in securing government employment.
"ஆண்ட பரம்பரை என்பதை மனதில் வைத்துக்கொள்ள வேண்டும்" – மதுரை நிகழ்ச்சியில் அமைச்சர் மூர்த்தி சர்ச்சைப் பேச்சு… சமூக வலைதளங்களில் பரவும் காணொளி#Moorthy | #MinisterMoorthy | #Madurai pic.twitter.com/PFMbvSUIWs
— PuthiyathalaimuraiTV (@PTTVOnlineNews) January 1, 2025
The speech drew criticism for its focus on caste, with detractors arguing that it could perpetuate divisions. Opponents accused the minister of framing historical narratives through a narrow lens rather than emphasizing unity and collective contributions.
Political commentators and opposition leaders have called for the minister to clarify his remarks, asserting that speeches by public representatives should promote inclusivity and national cohesion.
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