The recent announcement by the BJP regarding its candidate list for the upcoming elections brought to the fore an unexpected twist. Former Governor Tamilisai Soundararajan, stepping down from her position, declared her intention to contest the Lok Sabha elections, with South Chennai designated as her constituency. This decision marked a pivotal moment, as it intersected with the aspirations of BJP State Secretary, S.G. Suryah, who had been actively engaged in groundwork within the same constituency.
Suryah’s extensive groundwork and community engagement within South Chennai had positioned him as a formidable candidate, endorsed by the burgeoning support for BJP in the constituency. His dedication during times of crisis, such as the COVID-19 pandemic and floods, further solidified his standing as the face of BJP in the region.
According to sources, Suryah’s name was among the top choice of 3 probable names considered for South Chennai constituency. As soon as Tamilisai Soundararajan’s re-entry into activie politics was announced it was discussed that she may contest from Kanyakumari, Thoothukudi, Tirunelveli or South Chennai. However, the decision to allocate the South Chennai seat to Tamilisai came as a surprise to many, given Suryah’s ardent efforts and growing influence.
But what happened to SG Suryah happened to his late grandfather and BJP leader ‘Thirukovilur’ Sundaram.
According to The Hindu Tamil, during the 1977 Legislative Assembly elections in Tamil Nadu, the Kumari Anandan-led Gandhi Kamaraj National Congress Party was part of the broader Janata alliance. Kumari Ananthan is the father of Tamilisai Soundararajan.
SG Suryah’s grandfather ‘Thirukovilur’ Sundaram, a grassroots worker of the Sangh Parivar and a member of the Janata Sangh was poised for candidacy in the Rishivanthiyam constituency. He had begun his work in the constituency early on. Yet, fate took a different turn when Kumari Ananthan, representing the coalition party, fielded his own candidate, Jayachandran. Despite not being fielded as the candidate as expected, ‘Thirukovilur’ Sundaram worked tirelessly for his alliance party’s candidate.
As soon as Tamilisai Soundararajan was declared as the BJP’s South Chennai candidate Suryah released a video affirming his support and commitment to the party’s decision to field Tamizhisai Soundararajan.
He praised Dr.Tamizhisai Soundararajan, crediting her for providing him with opportunities, including his appointment as the Youth Wing leader and official spokesperson for the Tamil Nadu BJP.
He pledged to dedicate himself tirelessly leading up to the election date of 19 April 2024, specifically focusing on South Chennai. He said that he would campaign vigorously for Tamilisai Soundararajan to fulfill Prime Minister Modi’s target of securing 400 seats in Parliament this year.
Back in the day, ‘Thirukovilur’ Sundaram put party interest above self-interest and sacrificed it for father Kumari Ananthan. Today, his grandson SG Suryah has put party interest above self-interest for Kumari Ananthan’s daughter Tamilisai Soundararajan.
History repeats itself across generations albeit under different circumstances.
(With inputs from The Hindu Tamil)
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