After triggering controversy for making disparaging remarks about the late former Chief Minister K. Kamaraj (referred to as Kamarajar), DMK Deputy General Secretary and Rajya Sabha MP Tiruchi Siva has issued a vague explanation that lacks both an apology and a clear sense of regret. Instead, he appealed for an end to the criticism.
The backlash stems from a speech Siva gave at a DMK meeting in Perambur, where he claimed that before his death, Kamaraj had held then Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi’s hand and urged him to “save the country and democracy,” adding that Kamaraj could not sleep without air conditioning. These remarks sparked widespread outrage across political and public circles, with many accusing Siva of disrespecting the legacy of a widely respected leader.
In response, Siva issued a statement through the DMK’s official X (formerly Twitter) account, attempting to clarify his comments. However, his message failed to include an apology or express regret.
The statement read, “Statement by Thiru. @tiruchisiva, MP, Deputy General Secretary of the Party! Discussions are intensifying with the view that I spoke in a manner that tarnishes the reputation of Perunthalaivar Kamarajar. Many are aware that even when I speak about leaders in the opposing ranks, I criticize them with dignity. It is my usual practice to speak with emotion and passion on many platforms about Kamarajar, who opened the eyes of education, and how he served as a guide for all of India by bringing poor children to school through the midday meal scheme.
Following in the footsteps of Perarignar Anna, who wrote, “Kunalaa! Manaalaa! Kulakkozhundhe! Go to Gudiyatham! Conquer!” and Muththamizharingar Kalaignar, who, after Kamarajar’s demise, accorded him all respects and named the domestic terminal of Chennai Airport after him and working under the leadership of our current Party President, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Thalaivar and brother M.K. Stalin, who celebrates Kamarajar’s birthday as “Education Development Day” and constantly enhances his glory. I am not someone who would in any way accept anyone tarnishing the reputation of deceased leaders. I hold immense respect and high regard for Perunthalaivar Kamarajar, who spent many years in prison during the freedom struggle, bore the scars of sacrifice, served the people as Chief Minister and All India Congress Party President, and holds a unique place in everyone’s hearts. I am a dutiful party cadre who upholds dignity, following the path of Anna, Kalaignar, and Thalaivar. I kindly request everyone to accept this explanation and not turn the content of my speech into a further subject of debate!”
கழகத் துணைப் பொதுச் செயலாளர் திரு @tiruchisiva எம்.பி., அவர்கள் அறிக்கை!
பெருந்தலைவர் காமராசரின் புகழுக்குக் களங்கம் விளைவிக்கும் தன்மையில் நான் பேசியதாகக் கருத்து கொண்டு விவாதங்கள் வலுத்துக் கொண்டு வருகின்றன. நான் எதிர்வரிசையில் இருக்கும் தலைவர்களைப் பற்றிப் பேசும்போதுகூட… pic.twitter.com/wcKUXFGLvB
— DMK (@arivalayam) July 16, 2025
However, the absence of a direct apology or any expression of remorse in this clarification has only fueled further criticism. Many have viewed the explanation as evasive and inadequate, failing to address the seriousness of the remarks made.
What Did DMK MP Tiruchi Siva Say?
Speaking at the DMK meeting, Tiruchi Siva said, “Similarly, when I was around 23 or 24, Kalaignar (Karunanidhi) would take me in his car and recount some events. Some people would question why he was telling these things to a young kid. But he knew I would speak about them in public meetings and convey them effectively to the people. He would tell me many such stories. One day, he told me this, ‘Kamarajar has organized condemnation meetings all over Tamil Nadu against electricity shortage. Kamarajar would get an allergy if he didn’t have air conditioning. So, he (Karunanidhi) ordered that all the visitors’ bungalows where he stayed be equipped with air conditioning. Even though he (Kamaraj) was speaking against him, considering his health, I made sure all those bungalows had air conditioning.”
Later he peddled another story saying, “During the Emergency, they were desperate to arrest him but couldn’t do it in Tamil Nadu. Just then, he was about to leave for an event in Tirupati. A message went from the Chief Minister’s office, saying, ‘Please don’t go to Tirupati.’ He retorted, ‘I’m not a DMK member; I’m a Congress member, Who is he to tell me that tell me I can’t go?’ Then, he told, ‘I’m not a DMK leader, I’m the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu. My order is that you shouldn’t go there.’ Immediately, he shot back, ‘What? You’re ordering me? I’m the one who gave up that chair! Is this guy so big that he can order me around? I’m going!’ So, thalaivar called Rajaram Naidu and said, ‘Please make him understand. I’m not a big shot who can order him around. There’s nothing above him. The Central Government is desperate to arrest him. As long as he’s within Tamil Nadu’s borders, I will protect him. If he crosses this border and goes to Tirupati, which is in Andhra, I won’t be able to save him if they arrest him. That’s why I asked him not to go.’ It was only then that he (Kamaraj) said, ‘I spoke without understanding him. He has such a big heart. ‘Finally, holding his hand, before his death, he said, ‘You are the one who must save this country and democracy.’”
சாகும் தறுவாயில் கருணாநிதி கையை பிடித்தாரா காமராஜர்..? திருச்சி சிவா சொல்கிறார்..! #Kamarajar | #Kalaignar | #TrichySiva | #PolimerNews https://t.co/iESGBYEGzM
— Polimer News (@polimernews) July 16, 2025
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