Madurai CPIM MP Su Venkatesan has come under fire for his recent comments in the Lok Sabha regarding the Sengol (scepter), traditionally associated with the rulers of Tamil Nadu. His remarks have sparked controversy and drawn sharp criticism from several prominent religious and spiritual leaders, including the Madurai Adheenam, Perur Adheenam, Siravai Adheenam, and Palani Adheenam.
During the motion of thanks to the President in the 18th Lok Sabha, Su Venkatesan critiqued the ‘Sengol,’ a royal scepter symbolizing righteousness, justice, and authority in Indian culture. He ridiculed its narrative by comparing it unfavorably with historical kings known for polygamy and opulent lifestyles in their women’s quarters. Even though such associations had no relevance to the Sengol. He questioned the symbolism of bringing the Sengol into parliamentary proceedings, asking rhetorically about the historical oppression of women by kings who wielded it.
Venkatesan queried, “Do you know how many hundreds of women were kept as slaves by each king who held this Sengol? What are you trying to say to the women of the country by bringing and keeping the Sengol here? It is painful.”
These comments were perceived as an insult to Tamil Nadu’s proud tradition of kings and their association with the Sengol, particularly the scepter of Goddess Meenakshi.
Earlier, Kaumara Madalayam head Kumaragurupara Swamigal condemned the statement. He said, “Su Venkatesan was elected by the people to represent Madurai in the Lok Sabha. In Madurai, when justice was denied, the Sengol bent and the King gave up his life is something everyone knows. In Silappadikaram, the injustice and embarrassment meted out to Kannagi and how the Sengol bent is written in the epic. In this scenario, when all the newly elected MPs are beginning a new session of Parliament, a UP MP first starts speaking about the Sengol, that it has to be removed from Parliament. It is observed that the rituals and practices of our religion are being derogated by several. It is disappointing. The one from this soil (Madurai) also speaking like this is also regrettable. History tells us that it is the same soil he (Su Venkatesan) is from where when justice was denied, the Sengol bent. Whoever speaks wherever, it is an insult to Tamils.”
Kumaragurupara Swamigal also referenced the Thirukkural to emphasize the importance of integrity and justice in rulership. “Our people should teach a good lesson to those who talk like this in the future,” he asserted.
Following this, other Adheenams also registered their condemnation of the MP’s comments.
The Madurai Adheenam expressed deep disappointment, stating that Venkatesan’s remarks misrepresented the legacy of all Tamil kings, including respected figures like Pari, Maruthu Pandiyar, Veera Pandiya Kattabomman, Adiyaman, and Thirumalai Nayakar. “It is not proper for an MP elected by the people to talk like this,” the Adheenam said, questioning the influences behind Venkatesan’s statements.
Shanthalinga Marudachala from the Perur Adheenam criticized the MP for his apparent ignorance of historical context. He recounted how, under Prime Minister Nehru, the Sengol was placed in a museum but later honored by Prime Minister Modi, who involved tribal leaders in a ceremony. “Although Nehru was an atheist, history tells us that he bought the scepter and held it with pride,” he added. “By taking Thirukkural, it has the power of rulership. It is pure governance to say Tamil Nadu is proud to have that scepter in Parliament.”
Sadhu Shanmukha Adigal from the Palani Adheenam echoed these sentiments, citing Thiruvalluvar’s teachings on the importance of speaking useful and respectful words. “It is regrettable that an MP who is elected by the people without understanding its benefits speaks wrongly,” he said.
The united condemnation from these religious and spiritual leaders reflects the deep cultural and historical significance of the Sengol in Tamil Nadu. They call for MP Venkatesan to speak more carefully and with greater respect for Tamil heritage in the future.
செங்கோலை இழிவாகப் பேசுவதா ? ஆதீனங்கள் கண்டனம் pic.twitter.com/7e6wQGeVXm
— 𑀓𑀺𑀭𑀼𑀱𑁆𑀡𑀷𑁆 🇮🇳 (@tskrishnan) July 5, 2024
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