The DMK government in Tamil Nadu has ordered the removal of all caste-based names from streets, localities, and water bodies by 19 November 2025. These must be replaced with neutral names such as Tamil literary figures, eminent leaders, or flowers. The directive, issued on October 6 by Chief Secretary N. Muruganandam, includes 16 suggested names such as Tiruvalluvar, Avvaiyar, Kabilar, Bharathiyar, ‘Periyar’, and former Chief Ministers C.N. Annadurai and M. Karunanidhi.
For water bodies, the state suggests adopting one of 15 flower names like Roja, Malli, Sembarathi, or Suryagandhi. This move builds on Chief Minister M.K. Stalin’s earlier announcement (on April 29) to eliminate the term “colony” from official records and public usage.
Names such as Adi Dravidar Colony, Harijan Colony, Vannankulam, Paraiyar Theru, and Sakkiliyar Salai are to be rescinded and replaced by caste-neutral alternatives.
Former Chief Minister MG Ramachandran and J. Jayalalithaa have been omitted which is seen as political vengeance.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister M.K. Stalin on Tuesday announced that the state’s longest flyover, the Avinashi Road Elevated Corridor in Coimbatore, will be named after inventor and industrialist G.D. Naidu, a decision that has drawn mixed reactions, particularly in light of the DMK’s repeated claims of working to eliminate caste identities from public life.
Stalin, in a post on X, said his government had completed 95% of the project’s work after assuming office, noting that only 5% had been finished when the DMK came to power. He said the 10.10 km-long flyover, built at a cost of ₹1,791 crore, reflects the government’s commitment to infrastructure and progress under the “Dravidian model.”
The Chief Minister added that the structure was being named after G.D. Naidu, hailed as the “Edison of India”, describing him as a close ideological associate of Periyar (original name – EV Ramasamy Naicker) and a symbol of innovation and scientific spirit.
The Avinashi Road Elevated Corridor, executed by the Special Projects Wing of the State Highways Department, stretches from Uppilipalayam to Goldwins and is expected to ease traffic congestion along one of Coimbatore’s busiest routes. The inauguration is set to take place on 9 October 2025.
2020-இல் அறிவிக்கப்பட்டு, 2021 மே மாதம் வரையில் 5% பணிகள் மட்டுமே நடைபெற்றிருந்த #AvinashiRoadFlyover-ஐ, நமது #DravidianModel அரசு பொறுப்பேற்று, ரூ.1,791 கோடி செலவில் 10.10 கி.மீ நீளமுள்ள இந்தப் பாலத்தின் மீதமிருந்த 95% பணிகளையும் விரைந்து முடித்துள்ளது.
கோவை மக்களின் நீண்டநாள்… pic.twitter.com/TObKnJx5zK
— M.K.Stalin – தமிழ்நாட்டை தலைகுனிய விடமாட்டேன் (@mkstalin) October 7, 2025
While many industrialists and civic groups welcomed the naming, the inclusion of “Naidu” in the official title has prompted questions about the DMK’s consistency on caste-related issues. Critics noted that the ruling party has frequently advocated removing caste-based titles and surnames from public and official usage.
Local industry representatives, however, praised the gesture. J. Sathish, director of the Kongu Global Forum, said G.D. Naidu’s contributions to entrepreneurship, technical education, and social upliftment were “woven into the fabric of Coimbatore.” Rajesh B. Lund, president of the Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Coimbatore, said the naming was a “fitting tribute” to a visionary who embodied the city’s industrious spirit.
The irony couldn’t be starker — while the DMK government orders the removal of caste names from streets and villages, it proudly names a major flyover after G.D. Naidu. In Tamil Nadu, it seems caste names are objectionable only when politically inconvenient.
(With inputs from The New Indian Express)
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