DMK MP S. Jagathrakshakan has stirred controversy after falsely claiming that India’s President, Droupadi Murmu, was barred from attending the Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj due to her Scheduled Tribe background. His statement has drawn criticism, as the President did, in fact, participate in the festival on 10 February 2025.
The incident took place during a DMK event organized by the Saidapet DMK unit. While addressing the gathering, Arakkonam MP S. Jagathrakshakan remarked, “Mahamaham took place, and I went there. Everyone attended—the Prime Minister, all the ministers—but the President of our country did not. She was not allowed because she belongs to a lower caste. She was not allowed there and I don’t understand why. It is regrettable that no leader like Thanthai Periyar was born there.”
“ஜனாதிபதி தாழ்த்தப்பட்டவர் என்பதால் கும்பமேளாவில் அனுமதிக்கவில்லை”… சென்னையில் நடைபெற்ற கூட்டத்தில் தி.மு.க. எம்.பி.ஜெகத்ரட்சகன் பேச்சால் குழப்பம்#Chennai | #droupadimurmu | #DMK | #JagathrakshakanMP pic.twitter.com/qfD8weILo9
— Polimer News (@polimernews) March 5, 2025
His comments quickly sparked controversy, as they were factually incorrect. Many criticized the MP for spreading misinformation, especially since President Murmu had indeed attended the event.
The news of President Droupadi Murmu’s participation in the Maha Kumbh on 10 February 2025, was widely reported by newspapers in both English and regional languages, with some even featuring it on their front pages. Reports highlighted that she took a sacred dip at Triveni Sangam in Prayagraj, performed puja, and prayed to Maa Ganga for the peace, prosperity, and well-being of all. Additionally, she visited Hanuman Mandir for darshan and puja. Even the official social media pages of the President documented her participation in these rituals.
Despite this, DMK MP S. Jagathrakshakan falsely claimed that she was barred from attending due to her Scheduled Tribe background. His statement attempted to paint North India in a negative light, alleging that caste oppression still prevails, even though many states have actively worked to break such barriers and are collectively striving to empower SC and ST communities. His remarks have since sparked criticism for misrepresenting facts and spreading misinformation.
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