In a recent interview, Tamil Nadu Governor RN Ravi launched a scathing critique of the state’s ruling DMK government, questioning its commitment to the Tamil language and culture.

Governor Ravi pointed to the condition of state-run Tamil institutions as primary evidence of governmental neglect. The flagship example is the Thanjavur Tamil University, established in 1981 by former Chief Minister Dr. M.G. Ramachandran to promote Tamil language and heritage.

“Over 40 years down the line, this university is in the most pathetic condition,” Ravi stated. He revealed that the university struggles to even muster 1,000 students, a benchmark required by the UGC for central scheme benefits. “They are just adding up the PhD scholars somehow to reach the 1,000 mark.”, he noted.

The problems run deeper than enrollment numbers. The Governor highlighted a 50% vacancy in faculty posts, a complete lack of state-funded research grants for students, and a tragic situation where priceless Tamil heritage, over 11 lakh palm leaf manuscripts, is “rotting, getting destroyed” with no funds allotted for their preservation.

Political Patronage Over Cultural Icons

The critique then shifted from institutional neglect to a question of political priorities. Ravi contrasted the treatment of Dravidian political icons with that of Mahakavi Subramania Bharathi, a towering figure of Tamil literature and pride.

“There is not one chair in the name of Subramania Bharathi in our 20 state universities,” he asserted. Revealing a four-year personal struggle to establish such a chair, Ravi alleged that Vice-Chancellors are threatened by ministers and are “genuinely scared” of potential harassment and false police complaints.

This stands in stark contrast, he claims, to the establishment of “more than 15 chairs in our universities in the name of just three Dravidian icons.” Specifically, he noted that the current Chief Minister has established “two chairs in his father’s name [Kalaignar Karunanidhi] and two more chairs are coming up.”

For the governor, this disparity is telling. “This tells you their love for Tamil.”

The Central Government’s Initiatives: A Contrasting Narrative

To further underline the state government’s alleged failures, Ravi presented initiatives by the Central Government under Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a proactive force for Tamil culture.

He credited the Modi government with revitalizing the Central Institute of Classical Tamil (CICT) with a state-of-the-art building and taking the language to non-Tamil audiences. This includes:

• A running diploma course in Tamil at Banaras Hindu University (BHU), which also hosts a Subramania Bharathi Chair.
• A Tamil diploma course initiated at Guwahati University.
• Promoting Tamil literature globally by setting up a Thiruvalluvar centre in Singapore, a Thiruvalluvar chair in a Malaysian university and at Boston University in the USA.
• Funding Tamil language teachers in countries like Fiji.

“At this point of time,” Ravi concluded, “if I say that no leader has done as much service for Tamil language and culture than Prime Minister Modi.”

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The post “DMK Opened 2 Chairs For Karunanidhi, None For Bharathi”: Tamil Nadu Governor RN Ravi Says appeared first on The Commune.

C.P. Radhakrishnan, the Governor of Maharashtra and a senior BJP leader, has been elected as the 15th Vice-President of India. Representing the NDA, he defeated I.N.D.I bloc candidate and retired Supreme Court judge B. Sudershan Reddy by a margin of 152 votes.

While this marks a historic and proud achievement for Tamil Nadu with a native Tamil ascending to one of the highest constitutional offices in the country the ruling DMK chose not to support him. The party, which frequently accuses the central government of undermining Tamil identity, claimed that ideological commitment mattered more than linguistic or regional pride in this instance.

DMK spokesperson T.K.S. Elangovan made it clear, “We will give preference only to ideology. We cannot support Radhakrishnan merely because he is Tamil. What matters are his ideologies.”

DMK’s History Of Voting Against Tamilians To Highest Offices

This is not the first instance of DMK dismissing the “Tamilian” factor when it doesn’t suit their political agenda. Let’s take a look at the inglorious history of the DMK which claims it stands for Tamils, while voting against Tamilians becoming President, Vice President or Prime Minister.

When Karunanidhi Questioned R. Venkatraman’s Credentials

History offers a parallel in 1987, during the Presidential election, when R. Venkataraman, a distinguished Tamil leader, was nominated. Back then, AIADMK founder and Chief Minister M.G. Ramachandran (MGR) pointedly remarked that “not supporting a Tamilian is their stand” in reference to DMK’s reluctance. DMK patriarch M. Karunanidhi responded by downplaying Tamil identity, stating that “it is important to see what he has done for Tamil people rather than whether he is Tamil.”

Ironically, R. Venkataraman’s record showed remarkable contributions to Tamil Nadu. A freedom fighter who played a role in the Quit India Movement, he went on to spearhead the state’s industrialisation. As Industries Minister in 1957, he established industrial estates such as Guindy, brought in major national investments, and was instrumental in the founding of the Integral Coach Factory (ICF) and Neyveli Lignite Corporation (NLC). Under his leadership, automobile giants like Ashok Leyland and Hindustan Motors set up base in Tamil Nadu laying the foundation for the state’s emergence as India’s automobile hub. To question “what he has done for Tamil Nadu” is either historical ignorance or deliberate distortion.

R. Venkataraman was not only a freedom fighter who actively participated in the Quit India Movement, but also a visionary statesman who transformed Tamil Nadu’s industrial landscape.

As the Industries Minister of Tamil Nadu in 1957, he was instrumental in setting up industrial… https://t.co/PnntTMUBKC

— 𑀓𑀺𑀭𑀼𑀱𑁆𑀡𑀷𑁆  (@tskrishnan) August 20, 2025

When Karunanidhi Abused Abdul Kalam When He was Chosen in 2012

When the NDA proposed Dr A.P.J. Abdul Kalam as its candidate for the 2012 Presidential election, the DMK then an ally of the UPA dismissed the idea and reaffirmed its backing for the Congress nominee. Party chief M. Karunanidhi even mocked the suggestion, remarking, “Kalam in Tamil also means chaos (Kalagam). Anyhow, chaos has broken out in the Presidential election.”

Despite the buzz created by TMC leader Mamata Banerjee’s push for Kalam, Karunanidhi made it clear that the DMK would stand by its earlier commitment. “We are firm on what we had said. Defence Minister A K Antony who is said to be a honest man met me (last month) on behalf of Congress. I had extended my support to the message he had brought from (Congress chief) Sonia Gandhi,” he said, stressing that the party’s stance remained unchanged.

He explained that Defence Minister A.K. Antony, whom he described as an honest man, had visited him on behalf of the Congress a month earlier. During that meeting, Antony conveyed a message from Congress president Sonia Gandhi, and Karunanidhi confirmed that the DMK had pledged support to the Congress candidate at that time. Asked whether the Presidential election outcome would influence the next Lok Sabha polls, Karunanidhi declined to speculate.

Tale Of Betrayal Shunning GK Moopanar’s Chance to become PM

Perhaps the most revealing episode was in 1996–1997, when G.K. Moopanar a respected Tamil leader and founder of the Tamil Maanila Congress was a potential Prime Ministerial candidate after the fall of Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s short-lived government.

During key meetings of the United Front in Delhi, Karunanidhi expressed lukewarm support for Moopanar, even as other leaders debated options. Though Karunanidhi later claimed he had canvassed for Moopanar, many insiders suggest his efforts were half-hearted. TMC leaders at the time felt that Karunanidhi was unwilling to allow another Tamil, especially a political peer, to surpass him at the national level. Eventually, the United Front chose H.D. Deve Gowda, a relatively unknown leader from Karnataka, followed by I.K. Gujral neither of whom had deep ties to Tamil Nadu. Moopanar’s name faded from contention, and speculation remains that Karunanidhi’s ambivalence played a key role.

The 1996 general elections delivered a hung verdict. The BJP emerged as the single largest party and formed a short-lived government under Atal Bihari Vajpayee, which collapsed within 13 days. The anti-BJP parties, including the Janata Dal, Left Front, DMK, TMC, and others, rallied under the banner of the United Front, with the Congress offering outside support.

This created a window of opportunity for a non-Congress, non-BJP Prime Minister. Within this coalition, several names were floated— Mamata Banerjee briefly suggested Jyoti Basu, but the CPI(M)’s politburo vetoed it. Ultimately, H.D. Deve Gowda, then Karnataka Chief Minister, was chosen a relatively obscure leader at the national level.

Overlooking Moopanar’s Candidacy For PM

Despite his acceptability across parties, Moopanar’s candidacy never fully materialized. Though there were murmurs of support, including from CPI’s Indrajit Gupta and leaders in the Congress, the push lacked momentum. Multiple political analysts and insiders have pointed to DMK chief M. Karunanidhi’s ambivalence as a key factor.

Karunanidhi, while publicly claiming he would be “the happiest man” if Moopanar became PM, never used his political capital to aggressively advocate for Moopanar in the way he could have. Instead, he stayed passive in crucial meetings, allowing Deve Gowda’s candidacy to take shape.

Later, in 1997, when Deve Gowda’s government collapsed and the search for a new PM resumed, Moopanar’s name again came up. Yet once again, Karunanidhi’s support appeared half-hearted. He claimed to have lobbied other leaders like Lalu Prasad Yadav and Harkishan Singh Surjeet, but by then, the momentum had shifted to I.K. Gujral. TMC insiders and observers later remarked that Karunanidhi possibly feared being overshadowed by another Tamil leader on the national stage.

Several reasons have been attributed to the lack of serious backing for Moopanar and one among that was Karunanidhi’s political insecurities. Many in the TMC felt Karunanidhi was unwilling to be in a position where he would have to politically defer to a fellow Tamil, especially someone who could eclipse him on the national stage.

There was also speculation that Karunanidhi preferred a weak, consensus candidate like Gujral, who would allow the DMK greater influence in decision-making at the centre. By contrast, a strong Tamil leader like Moopanar could have changed the DMK-TMC power balance in Tamil Nadu and at the national level. TMC leaders like P. Chidambaram later implied that if Karunanidhi and Chandrababu Naidu had come together to endorse Moopanar, he could have been PM. But the opportunity was lost twice and the DMK’s lack of enthusiasm was seen as a contributing factor.

G.K. Moopanar’s story remains one of Indian politics’ great “what ifs.” He was a Tamil leader with a clean image, wide acceptability, and genuine statesmanlike qualities. Yet, when the moment arrived, he was either too reluctant or was let down by those who could have championed his cause, particularly Karunanidhi.

This episode is yet another example where DMK’s commitment to “Tamil pride” failed to translate into political support for capable Tamil leaders at the national level, especially when party interests or alliances were at stake.

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The post From Venkataraman To Abdul Kalam And Moopanar: How DMK Opposed Tamils In Power appeared first on The Commune.

The DMK has once again taken a U-turn, now insisting that ideology should take precedence over linguistic or regional identity, a position that directly contradicts its earlier stance where it frequently invoked Tamil pride as a decisive factor in politics.

This position was highlighted in a bid to support the NDA’s Vice-Presidential nominee, C.P. Radhakrishnan, despite his Tamil background. DMK spokesperson T.K.S. Elangovan reiterated that the party does not extend support merely because a candidate happens to be Tamil, stressing that political beliefs and policy positions matter far more than ethnicity.

This is not the first instance of DMK dismissing the “Tamilian” factor when it doesn’t suit their political agenda. History offers a parallel in 1987, during the Presidential election, when R. Venkataraman, a distinguished Tamil leader, was nominated. Back then, AIADMK founder and Chief Minister M.G. Ramachandran (MGR) pointedly remarked that “not supporting a Tamilian is their stand” in reference to DMK’s reluctance. DMK patriarch M. Karunanidhi responded by downplaying Tamil identity, stating that “it is important to see what he has done for Tamil people rather than whether he is Tamil.”

MGR, however, had his own reasons for backing Venkataraman, viewing him as not only a Tamil but also a statesman with significant contributions to both the state and the nation.

Who is R. Venkataraman?

Ramaswamy Venkataraman, born in Rajamadam village of Thanjavur district, began his career as a lawyer at the Madras High Court and later at the Supreme Court of India. He was an active participant in the independence struggle, including the Quit India Movement, and later served as a member of the Constituent Assembly and the provisional government. His political career spanned both state and national levels. In Tamil Nadu, he worked under Chief Ministers K. Kamaraj and M. Bhaktavatsalam, handling portfolios like Industries, Labour, and Transport. At the national level, he was elected to the Lok Sabha four times and held key positions such as Union Finance Minister, Defence Minister, Vice President, and eventually the President of India between 1987 and 1992.

Venkataraman is often remembered as the architect of Tamil Nadu’s industrial growth. As Industries Minister in the 1950s and 60s, he spearheaded the establishment of the state’s first industrial estates at Guindy and was instrumental in attracting major public sector undertakings such as the Integral Coach Factory, Neyveli Lignite Corporation, and the Heavy Vehicles Factory. He also encouraged private sector investment, paving the way for companies like Ashok Leyland, Hindustan Motors, TVS Group, and Enfield to set up operations in Tamil Nadu. These initiatives earned him recognition as the father of the state’s industrialization.

At the Centre, his contributions were equally significant. As Finance Minister in the early 1980s, he introduced reforms that promoted economic growth and savings while negotiating a major loan package with the International Monetary Fund. He also oversaw the creation of the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD). Later, as Defence Minister, he prioritized modernization of India’s armed forces, encouraging diversification of equipment sources and laying the foundation for the Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme, which would eventually produce indigenous systems like Prithvi and Agni. His election as Vice President in 1984 and his role in ensuring stability after the assassination of Indira Gandhi demonstrated his ability to act as a steadying influence during uncertain times. As President of India from 1987 to 1992, he worked with four different prime ministers Rajiv Gandhi, V.P. Singh, Chandra Shekhar, and P.V. Narasimha Rao during the dawn of coalition politics, navigating a turbulent phase in Indian democracy.

Venkataraman’s career stands as a reminder that leadership cannot be reduced to questions of identity alone. While he was undeniably a proud Tamilian, his life’s work reflected a vision that placed nation-building and institutional development above narrow politics. For Karunanidhi, this reinforced the argument that ideology and public service mattered more than linguistic pride. For MGR, supporting Venkataraman was a recognition of his stature as a statesman. Both positions, though opposed politically, underlined the fact that Venkataraman’s contribution transcended the limits of Tamil identity and became part of India’s national legacy.

R. Venkataraman was not only a freedom fighter who actively participated in the Quit India Movement, but also a visionary statesman who transformed Tamil Nadu’s industrial landscape.

As the Industries Minister of Tamil Nadu in 1957, he was instrumental in setting up industrial… https://t.co/PnntTMUBKC

— 𑀓𑀺𑀭𑀼𑀱𑁆𑀡𑀷𑁆 (@tskrishnan) August 20, 2025

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The post When MGR Backed Tamilian R Venkataraman For Vice President But Karunanidhi Asked What Has He Done For Tamil Nadu appeared first on The Commune.

As Tamil Nadu heads toward 2026 Assembly elections, the DMK appears to be sharpening its ideological messaging: one that glorifies only its chosen icons like former Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi and EV Ramasamy Naicker (also known Periyar to his followers), while discrediting any other influential political figures from Tamil Nadu’s history. The strategy is unmistakable: highlight the party’s own leaders while systematically diminishing the legacy of others. And yet, throughout this effort, the DMK avoids taking direct accountability preferring instead to let its functionaries, sympathizers, and allies do the heavy lifting.

A noticeable pattern has emerged, the DMK or its affiliates often launch verbal attacks or controversy-triggering remarks precisely when other popular leaders are being remembered by the public. For example, on 15 July 2025, as the state commemorated K. Kamaraj’s birth anniversary, DMK MP Tiruchi Siva stoked outrage by making disparaging claims about him. Similar patterns are visible whenever AIADMK invokes the legacies of MG  Ramachandran (MGR) or J. Jayalalithaa; either senior DMK leaders or fringe functionaries step in with dismissive or mocking comments.

At the grassroots level too, party workers like Sivaji Krishnamurthy are routinely seen disparaging non-DMK leaders while elevating Karunanidhi or Periyar, often reframing Tamil Nadu’s development as if it solely originated from the DMK lineage.

Consistent Disrespect for K. Kamaraj

Karu Palaniappan’s Political Revisionism

On 25 July 2025, during an event at a government school in Dindigul district, Leftist-Dravidian Director Karu Palaniappan stirred controversy by questioning the commemoration of former President of India, Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, and Tamil Nadu’s former Chief Minister, K. Kamarajar. He criticized the way Kamaraj was credited for educational milestones, implying such acknowledgments were politically motivated.

Palaniappan sarcastically suggested that only minimal achievements were attributed to Kamaraj while larger contributions by subsequent DMK governments were framed vaguely under the term “Tamil Nadu Government.” He labeled this as a “political game,” conveniently highlighting some names while leaving others anonymous, hinting at an orchestrated narrative to sustain the Kamaraj legacy at the cost of DMK leaders.

He said, “If you see in the paper, all the special features mentioned about this particular school. These things were done only for this school, not across all of Tamil Nadu, only for this school. But how is it mentioned? It says, ‘The Merur hut building was inaugurated in 1963 by Kakkan, who was a minister during Kamarajar’s rule.’ Just for one school. But then, in the 2024-25 academic year, to bring out the unique talents of students, the Kalai Thiruvizha was started by the Tamil Nadu government across the whole of Tamil Nadu. Right? Here, the hut school building that came up was during Kamarajar’s time. Then again, in 1980, what started as a primary school was upgraded to a middle school. By whom? By the Tamil Nadu government. And then in 2010, it became a higher secondary school with modern facilities. By whom? By the Tamil Nadu government. But in 1963, who built the hut building? It was during Kamarajar’s rule. That’s it. This is the politics. Either you say ‘by the Tamil Nadu government’ for everything, or you say ‘during MGR’s rule,’ ‘Jayalalithaa’s rule,’ ‘Karunanidhi’s rule,’ ‘Stalin’s rule’ for everything. If we understand that, we’ll understand development. It’s a huge political game to mention names only when it’s convenient, and then just say ‘Tamil Nadu government’ when it’s not.”

Tiruchi Siva’s Questionable Tribute

In July 2025, DMK MP Tiruchi N. Siva made a bizarre claim that before his death, Kamaraj supposedly held Karunanidhi’s hand and urged him to “save the country and democracy.” Siva went on to tarnish Kamaraj’s reputation by claiming that the man widely admired for his simplicity could not sleep without air-conditioning an anecdote he attributed to Karunanidhi.

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.”

சாகும் தறுவாயில் கருணாநிதி கையை பிடித்தாரா காமராஜர்..? திருச்சி சிவா சொல்கிறார்..! #Kamarajar | #Kalaignar | #TrichySiva | #PolimerNews https://t.co/iESGBYEGzM

— Polimer News (@polimernews) July 16, 2025

R.S. Bharathi’s Derogatory Remarks

In October 2022, RS Bharati at an event said, “Supreme Leader Kamaraj said he would cut off the thumb of DMK members. But it was us who built his grave. No Congressmen did that. To date, everyone is worshiping in the grave we built for Kamaraj.” “I’m sorry. I’m just telling history. I don’t mean to hurt anyone,” he said.

Rajiv Gandhi’s Misinformation

At a DMK student wing event in 2024, , the then student wing president, Rajiv Gandhi distorted historical facts, diminishing Kamaraj’s contribution to public education by crediting EVR instead. According to him, Kamaraj merely reopened schools closed by Rajaji, and even those actions were apparently orchestrated under the guidance of EVR. This is a typical tactic relocating every major accomplishment outside of the non-DMK sphere and attributing it to DMK ideologues.

He stated, “After Rajaji, Kamaraj came and announced, “I’ll open schools.” It is important to note that Kamaraj did not open the schools with his funds. Rajaji closed 2500 schools that the Justice party opened. He is a good man. How is he a good man? A good man who said no to toddy shops. But if he is educated, he will find another type of addiction. If he studies, he will come into authority and become arrogant. Kamaraj only reopened the schools that were shut down by Rajaji, who hindered the addiction and progress of mankind. Only after reopening the closed school did Kamaraj earn his name as ‘the eye-opener of education’. It is important to note that he did not use his money to reopen the schools; the comrade has documented this fact well. What is even more important is what happened after he reopened the schools. Look around your towns and see the colleges – if the asset of education is now with us, it is because of the efforts of a man named Periyar.”

He then peddled the narrative citing Periyarists and Dravidian leaders who assert that every action taken by Kamaraj was at the direction of E.V. Ramasamy (EVR), including the establishment of elementary schools within a 5 km radius and later colleges in towns.

தி.மு.க கயவர் கூட்டம் ஒப்பாரும் மிக்காரும் இல்லாத ஐயா காமராஜரை அவதூறாக பேசுவதை ஏற்றுக்கொள்ளவே முடியாது.

காங்கிரஸார் உடம்பில் ஒடுவது ரத்தமா? அடிமைகளின் உடம்பில் இரத்தம் எதற்கு?

அது சரி தமிழக காங்கிரஸார் அறிவாலய நிலைய வித்துவான்கள் ஆகி விட்டார்களே?@SPK_TNCC @INCTamilNadu pic.twitter.com/9FjNVLk3QA

— Dr.SG Suryah (@SuryahSG) October 21, 2024

Targeting M.G. Ramachandran (MGR)

If you thought they stopped at Kamarajar, you are wrong. They extended it to former TN chief minister MG Ramachandran too.

DMK MP A. Raja

In 2024, DMK MP A. Raja ignited controversy after a video resurfaced showing him calling MGR a “loose” (idiot), dismissing him as undeserving of respect. Despite MGR’s towering legacy and mass popularity, Raja claimed he had no regard for him, suggesting MGR lacked the dignity even a “white man” would show towards the nation.

In a short video clip, extensively shared on social media, featured a speech by A Raja in which he expressed his lack of respect for MGR, stating, “Let me tell you one thing, look back at history and that’s why I don’t respect MGR… I don’t respect him, kalaingar too will say he is my friend. You keep him as your friend. A white man who is an outsider had the magnanimity to respect the dignity of our country but the idiot MGR didn’t have that”.

Dravidianist director Ameer Sultan

In May 2024, Dravidianist director Ameer Sultan stirred public backlash by casting doubt on the title “Puratchi Thalaivar” (Revolutionary Leader) bestowed upon former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and iconic actor Dr. M.G. Ramachandran (MGR). His remarks, made during a press conference, have triggered a wave of criticism across social media platforms.

While speaking at the promotional event of film Uyir Thamizhukku, he questioned whether MGR, though affectionately called Makkal Thilagam (People’s Leader), truly deserved the more weighty title of Puratchi Thalaivar. “Revolution is not something ordinary,” Ameer said, implying that MGR’s legacy, while impactful, did not align with what he considers true revolutionary ideals.

“There are people who brought real revolutions to the world. Using the term ‘revolutionary leader’ loosely devalues the word itself,” he stated, clarifying that his comments were not part of the film’s content but were part of a broader discussion on how titles and honors are conferred. He added that accolades should be earned through genuine merit, not purchased or awarded based on political convenience.

காலக்கொடுமை. போதை கடத்தல்க்காரனின் கூட்டாளியாக குடும்பங்களை அழித்தொழித்து, வயிற்றை கழுவும் கேடுகெட்ட ஒருவன்; மறைந்து 37 ஆண்டுகளாகியும் கோடிக்கணக்கான மக்களால் இன்றும் போற்றப்படும் பொன்மனச் செம்மலுக்கு character certificate கொடுப்பதல்லாம் பச்சை பொறுக்கித்தனம். pic.twitter.com/hXaCStin6m

— Dr.SG Suryah (@SuryahSG) May 10, 2024

Disparaging J. Jayalalithaa

Former TN chief minister J Jayalalithaa was derogated several times, probably because she was a woman and a Brahmin one at that.

Chief Minister M.K. Stalin’s Derogatory Innuendos

MK Stalin, both in opposition and in power, has made several controversial remarks targeting the late J. Jayalalithaa. In one instance, he suggested she was obsessed with Karunanidhi, triggering applause through a deliberately suggestive comment.

Stalin stated in a public gathering, “Kalaignar (Karunanidhi) wrote in Murasoli that Jayalalitha always thinks about him, both at day and night.” Understanding the intended context (at night Jayalalitha thinks about Kalaignar) of MK Stalin, the audience cheered him. He continued, “You will accuse Karunanidhi for everything? (Addressing JJ in the singular) You frequently visit Kodanadu for rest; is Karunanidhi responsible for it?”

On another occasion, he described her as “a lady… with glamour” and questioned her administrative capabilities. Speaking at a Gram Sabha meeting, then opposition leader MK Stalin said, “Whether Jayalalitha did her work after coming to power is questionable. She was a lady…with glamour… has been running the government”

During election campaigns, Stalin resorted to double entendre, mocking the stage setups of Jayalalithaa’s rallies in a sexually charged tone that drew widespread criticism. MK Stalin said, “When Narendra Modi sworn in as the Chief Minister of Gujarat, you (Jayalalitha) went there to greet him. Likewise, when you (JJ) sworn in as Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, Modi came here to greet you.” MK Stalin then used a movie dialogue to describe Modi and Jayalalitha’s relationship, stating that they looked at each other like two male and female (lovers) look at each other through their eyes. He continued, “Therefore I claim that both ADMK and BJP have secret affair (Alliance)… That too an illegal affair.”

Speaking in front on women MK Stalin said, “If I continue to stand here, I feel like seeing the faces of women here. I want to be honest with you. I feel like standing here for more time and keep stalking at all your faces. He has hit two mangoes with one stone. Don’t think of anything else when I say mango.”

During the 2016 election campaign, MK Stalin made sexual innuendos about then-CM Jayalalithaa and the ADMK candidates, claiming that “Their campaign stages will have multiple levels at different heights. Jayalalitha used to sit on the top level of the stage while the candidates were seated below her in the bottom level…Jayalalitha on top and the candidates below…(Stalin laughs)..I am just saying… nothing else.”

பெண்களை தரக்குறைவாக பேசும் இந்தாளை எப்ப கைது பண்ணுவீங்க Sir @tnpoliceoffl

படத்துல இருக்க ஒரு Videoவை கட்பண்ணி போட்டதுக்கே பொங்கியிருக்கீங்க

இந்தாள் Public Place ல Former CM Jayalalitha வை அசிங்கமா பேசியிருக்கார்

இந்தாள் பேர் Stalin CM of Tamil nadupic.twitter.com/8F8w4Hqvar

— Yuvaraj Ramalingam (@YuvarajPollachi) March 22, 2023

RS Bharathi’s Remarks About Jayalalithaa’s Grave

At a public event, R.S. Bharathi not only insulted MGR but also took pride in claiming he had Jayalalithaa imprisoned. He suggested someone should “wake her up from her samadhi” to verify the claim a statement that lacked both decency and dignity.

Speaking at an event held in Ambattur in Chennai, DMK leader R.S. Bharthi said that the current regime of Edappadi K. Palaniswami would end in two new moons. “He has forgotten with whose help, this dog, this man sat on the CM’s chair. Those who kick the ladder that they used for climbing up has never met a good end. I would say even MGR is also like that. MGR was nurtured and made into a leader by this movement. But you know what happened when he betrayed. He passed away without being able to speak.”, RS Bharathi said. He also said that it was he who sent Jayalalithaa to jail in TANSI case. “Go wake her up from the samadhi [memorial] and ask”, he added. He also added, “Recently, Jayalalithaa’s memorial hall was opened on January 27. They gave ₹40,000 per bus from all over Tamil Nadu. They gave ₹2000 to those who boarded the bus. They picked them up and dropped them off at Marina Beach. Edappadi and OPS thought that the whole crowd would come to the Jayalalithaa memorial. But the crowd thought, instead of visiting that ‘moodhevi’ (a derogatory slang in Tamil), they visited Kalaignar’s [Karunanidhi’s] memorial”.

DMK Functionary Sujatha’s Casteist Mockery

Salem-based DMK member Sujatha took a casteist jab at Jayalalithaa by calling her “Papathi,” a derogatory term aimed at Brahmin women, mimicking her voice to provoke laughter and diminish her memory. Sujatha said mockingly, “Honourable Speaker, I’m a Papathi—you cannot change (atavum mudiyathu) or destroy me.”

VCK leader Thol. Thirumavalavan

Even VCK leader Thol. Thirumavalavan, speaking at a DMK event, expressed frustration that MGR and Jayalalithaa weren’t criticized as harshly as Karunanidhi, accusing them of enabling “Brahminism” into Dravidian politics. Yet, paradoxically, he admitted that their dominance helped keep national parties like BJP and Congress from gaining ground ironically crediting them for preserving Tamil Nadu’s regional political identity.

He said, “A national party benefitted by the emergence of MGR. MGR criticized Kalaignar, sowed the seeds for hate politics, was responsible for infiltrating Brahminism into the Dravidian movement, and even though there are criticisms that he paved the way for a Brahmin woman to become the leader of the Dravidian movement, one advantage that came out of it is that – national parties were prevented from gaining a foothold here.”

He further said, “This political environment, whether DMK or AIADMK, continued for more than 50 years. The Congress was not allowed to grow here, and more importantly, the BJP did not gain a foothold. Although there are many reasons, if the Congress had gained strength here, the BJP would have grown against it. Because, where there is a national party, the BJP will easily reach the same position as the Congress. People do not compare with state parties; they will compare only with national parties. The rise of MGR is one reason why the Congress did not gain strength here and has shrunk. The political contest here was whether it is MGR or Kalaignar, later changed to Jayalalithaa-Kalaignar. But Kalaignar has always been the central point, the central politics – This is the politics of Tamil Nadu.”

The Bigger Picture: Control the Narrative, Rewrite the Past

What emerges is a consistent effort to protect the ideological bubble around EVR and Karunanidhi, even as it means discrediting other towering figures in Tamil Nadu’s history. Be it by spreading half-truths, twisting historical records, or resorting to mockery, DMK’s ecosystem seems determined to rewrite the state’s political legacy to favor a singular narrative.

This strategy is not accidental it is calculated. Whether it’s through orchestrated speeches, student wing events, or convenient anecdotes, the intent remains the same: to dominate Tamil Nadu’s historical discourse by elevating their own and erasing or ridiculing the rest.

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The post DMK’s Strategy: Defame Tall Leaders Of Tamil Nadu To Glorify Karunanidhi And EVR appeared first on The Commune.

Following widespread criticism from devotees, local residents, and the BJP, a photograph of the late former Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi was removed from the entrance of the Swaminadha Swami Temple in Swamimalai, located in Thanjavur district.

The controversy erupted when DMK members marked Karunanidhi’s seventh death anniversary by placing his image on the temple gate. This gesture sparked outrage among devotees and locals, who questioned why DMK cadres chose a sacred temple entrance to pay tribute, arguing that it disrespected the religious sanctity of the space.

Adding to the criticism, SG Suryah, the BJP’s state youth wing president condemned the act on social media platform X, stating, “Did the shameless DMK choose only the holy entrance of Swamimalai temple to pay homage to Karunanidhi? The abuses under the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department, a tool of the DMK government, won’t continue forever. The government will change and so will these scenes.”

கருணாநிதியை கும்பிட தி.மு.க கயவர்களுக்கு புனிதமான சுவாமிமலை கோவில் வாசல் தான் கிடைத்ததா?

தி.மு.க அரசின் கைப்பாவையான இந்து அறநிலையத்துறை அட்டூழியங்கள் நீடிக்காது; ஆட்சி மாறும், காட்சிகளும் மாறும்! pic.twitter.com/Mk9nPSFGCW

— Dr.SG Suryah (@SuryahSG) August 7, 2025

In response to the growing protests and public outcry, DMK members eventually took down Karunanidhi’s photo from the temple gate.

கோவில் கேட்டில் கருணாநிதி படம்
எதிர்ப்புக்கு பிறகு அகற்றிய கட்சியினர்#Karunanidhi | #DMK | #SwaminathaSwamyThirukoilhttps://t.co/y4W3uzOopr pic.twitter.com/iLnsoqszFg

— Dinamalar (@dinamalarweb) August 7, 2025

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The post DMK Patriarch Karunanidhi’s Photo Placed At Swamimalai Temple Sparks Outrage; DMK Removes It After Protests appeared first on The Commune.

In what comes across as a bewildering speech by DMK MP A Raja in the Lok Sabha today, he mounted a sustained attack on the BJP-led Central Government while speaking proudly of his party’s “nationalist” credentials and legacy of “supporting” the armed forces. His speech was laced with secessionism and attempted to further the North-South divide amid the Pahalgam terror attack debate and the neutralization of the terrorists responsible for it via Operation Mahadev.

He first started with, “…as other members from the regional parties put it, they should not brand as we are antinational, DMK is known for national integration.”

The members of BJP raised questions on this claim to which he replied “Hindi nahi maloom, Hindi nahi maloom, still I am Indian.”

Acknowledging the state’s secessionist demands, he said, “There was a time that we wanted to have a separate state in the name of Dravida Nadu. In 1962 when the China aggression took place in this country, we gave up the separate state. In 1971, when the Pakistan war came into existence, our then chief minister Kalaignar Karunanidhi gave 5 crore which was not matched by none. In 1999, Kargil war imposed on us, that time, 100 crores were given on behalf of Tamil Nadu government by same Dr Kalaignar Karunanidhi, our beloved leader which was matched by none. Now as my colleague put it, the first rally to support the Indian army with lakhs of people was organized by my leader Mr. MK Stalin, Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu for which the entire country is indebted and followed it.”

Blaming the BJP government for their constant finger pointing to Congress Prime Ministers Nehru, Indira, Rajiv Gandhi, he justified their actions saying, “Any decision will be taken by the then prime minister or leader in the context and the circumstances and the situation prevailing over, that decision must be viewed and this decision must be weighed. Yes, in 1962, there was a sent to India. But it was suppressed by Nehru, concealed by Nehru? None other the prime minister in India. He was the only prime minister used to write letter to everyone. Whereas he appraised how the defeat was happened. What are all the reasons? climate, the terrain which was forced before our army, then the international China and Russia and the arms lapses, quality of the arms which was not able to pair the China, he honestly admitted and then army chief at the time tended resignation, with pain, Nehru accepted it. Past is past. Come to the present.”

He then claimed that none of the BJP members, not even the Prime Minister expressed regret for Pahalgam. Then he said something bizzare about the terrorists. “Today four persons have been shot down. You are claiming pride. How can you pride for four persons, terrorists were shot down?” 

He added, “Sir, 16th century Machiavelli, he’s a philosopher for them, ends justify the means, you can do anything, achieve the ends, that is your philosophy, you are telling that whatever happened in the Pahalgam, the culprits are shut down, so we got the victory, is it correct.” He then mouthed a Tamil proverb and said, “That is our philosophy, even the mother suffering starvation don’t do wrong. So, means is very important.”

Raja claimed that despite an IB report of threat, police and armed forces were not increased in the area and mocked at the BJP for thumping their chests about amending Article 370 and called it an “intelligence failure”. Then he pulled the Kandahar hijack and then dragged the then-PM Vajpayee and Ajit Doval.

On the issue of the “downed jets”, he said, “Defence minister of India says don’t ask about pencils, how many broken, how many rubber, whether the exam was conducted properly, sir we are not we are not concerned about the pencils and rubbers, but there should not be any malpractice in the examination, for result you are always doing malpractice. I wanted to harvest the wrong results bogus results that is why we are we are bothered about the means.”

Then he claimed that none of the countries from G20, G7, BRICS, Quad, “None of the organizations officially passed any resolution supporting India and condemning Pakistan. They are condemning the terroristic attack. Not Pakistan.”

Quoting the External Affairs Minister’s own statement, Raja pointed out that India had been warned by the US Vice President about an imminent Pakistani attack: “On 9th May, Vice President JD Vance called the Prime Minister warning of a massive Pakistani attack in next few hours… Are you sleeping?” He said it was shameful that India’s response came only after the Americans alerted them: “Vice President of America called the Prime Minister of India. You are going to be attacked. You are having military. You are having RAW. You are having IP. What you are doing yesterday?Is it not shame on your part?”

Mocking India’s claims of global support, Raja said, “Pakistan is getting elected as Vice Chairman in the United Nations Security Council to control terrorism.” He then asked the government to follow former PM Vajpayee. He said, “Don’t follow Nehruvian ideology. You will not, you can’t. You are not competent. But please follow at least your leader Atalji. What happened in the Kargil? Kargill war was conducted in a sensible manner with a collaborative measures. All stakeholders including the oppositions were taken into consideration. After the war after the Kargil war, he appointed a commission, and the commission report was placed before the parliament. This parliament deliberated the commission, what is the don’ts and dos what are the actions and inactions, such a fair prime minister is your predecessor.”

He ridiculed the contradiction of India’s global support saying, “You are claiming all the nations are with us… but Pakistan is getting membership elected as vice chairman in the United Nations Security Council to avoid. to control the terrorism.… are you not ashamed? And you want to label Pakistan as sponsor of terrorism.”

Concluding his speech, A Raja urged the parties across the board to unite, “Please come with this government and take this confidence… Stop this nonsense in the future at least.”

DMK Against National Integration

In 2021, the DMK IT wing’s official Twitter account quoted late former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Annadurai, saying that the demand for a separate “Dravida Nadu” is still relevant, and has fuelled separatism.

DMK Minister for Minorities Welfare and Non-Resident Tamils Welfare, SM Nasar, stirred controversy during the launch of a website and the release of a conference report at the 12th World Tamil Economic Conference. The event, held on 16 June 2025, at Hotel Le Royal Meridien, was jointly organized by the World Tamil Economic Institute and the Chennai Development Corporation. In his special address, Nasar claimed, “Amartya Sen said if Tamil Nadu were a separate country, it would become a superpower and rank 18th among global powers.”

In a program by the DMK in November 2024, Udhayanidhi Stalin received a shield in the form of a separate South India map, which indirectly references the “Dravida Nadu” separatist ideology once propagated by the DMK.

Chief Minister MK Stalin himself has claimed, “India is not one country, but a subcontinent,” a statement that lacks logic, is completely absurd, and goes against the very spirit of India’s constitution

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The post Joke Of The Century: DMK Is Known For National Integration, Says ‘2G’ Scam Accused Raja Whose Party Stoked Separatism, Spews Anti-Hindu Venom appeared first on The Commune.

Amid recent backlash of DMK Deputy General Secretary and Rajya Sabha MP Tiruchi Siva  over comments about the late Chief Minister K. Kamaraj, an old video from 7 February 1986, featuring former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi has resurfaced on social media. In the unverified video, Karunanidhi speaks the same about Kamaraj and shares an anecdote highlighting their political rivalry and personal courtesy.

In the footage, Karunanidhi himself recounts how he took steps to support Kamaraj during his travels, even when Kamaraj was openly critical of the DMK government.

Karunanidhi explains in the video that after taking over the leadership of the DMK following the era of Anna, he was informed by Rajaram Naidu that Kamaraj, while campaigning in remote and hot regions, was struggling with the heat. Despite their political differences, Karunanidhi said he personally arranged for air conditioners to be installed at Kamaraj’s lodging locations to ensure his comfort and health. Karunanidhi adds that although Kamaraj was actively opposing the DMK at the time, it was the DMK that took care of him. He concluded by saying that loyal and appreciative Congress leaders, including Thevar, would recognize this gesture.

He says, “They have said that Chief Minister Karunanidhi performed the final rites for Perunthalaivar Kamaraj, just as how Kamaraj’s own brother would have done. I would also like to add something else. During the period when Perunthalaivar Kamaraj was alive, and after Anna, when I took charge of the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) government, Perunthalaivar Kamaraj was touring various places, criticizing the DMK rule. At that time, due to Kamaraj’s inability to withstand the heat and the discomfort caused by the scorching sun, he had to travel to outer villages for campaigning. However, the places where he stayed did not have air-conditioning facilities. Therefore, Rajaram Naidu informed me that arrangements needed to be made for this. Even though Kamaraj was traveling to criticize the DMK, it was I, Karunanidhi, who ordered air conditioners to be installed in every lodge where he stayed, keeping his health in mind. Thevar and all good, grateful Congress members will certainly acknowledge this.”

நன்றியுள்ள காங்கரஸ்காரர்கள் அனைவரும் நிச்சயம் இதை உணர்வார்கள் – கலைஞர் pic.twitter.com/SvkSyoLaHZ

— டான் (@krajesh4u) July 18, 2025

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The post “Kamaraj Couldn’t Withstand Heat, I Only Ordered ACs To Be Installed Even Though He Was Criticizing DMK”: How Karunanidhi Glorified Himself To Show Kamarajar In Poor Light appeared first on The Commune.

With DMK MP Tiruchi Siva’s lies about former Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, Kamaraj (referred to as Kamarajar out of respect), making the headlines over the week, there are some more aspects of how DMK and especially the patriarch Karunanidhi insulted Kamarajar that need to be discussed.

Mocked In Life, Denied Honour In Death

When Kamaraj was alive, the DMK’s mouthpiece Murasoli ran cartoons mocking his appearance, including his skin tone. In death, the insult was worse. On 2 October 1975, Gandhi Jayanti, Kamaraj passed away. A former Chief Minister, freedom fighter, architect of the mid-day meal scheme, and often called the “Kingmaker” of Indian politics, Kamaraj was expected to be honoured with a burial at the Marina, home to the memorial of Karunanidhi’s mentor, C.N. Annadurai.

But Karunanidhi, then the Chief Minister, reportedly refused the request. While some Congress figures like Tindivanam Ramamurthy and A. Gopanna said leaders such as Pazha Nedumaran and Kannadasan had pressed for a Marina burial as reported in The Hindu, Karunanidhi denied it, citing the difficulty of maintaining memorials near the sea.

This justification rings hollow today. Marina later housed the memorials of MGR, Jayalalithaa, and Karunanidhi himself. No such “erosion concerns” were raised then. The real reason appears obvious: Kamaraj was a national icon, not a Dravidian one. His stature didn’t suit Karunanidhi’s political narrative.

Conflicting Claims, Convenient Amnesia

Some journalists and politicians later attempted to reframe the episode, claiming no demand had been made for a Marina burial and that Karunanidhi, in fact, led the state funeral out of respect. Others, like Pazha Nedumaran, the then TNCC secretary, stated that Congress planned to conduct the funeral at Sathyamurthi Bhavan, but Karunanidhi offered Gandhi Mandapam in Guindy as an alternative, as reported in TNIE. Nedumaran apparently said, “Congressmen decided to perform the last rites at Sathyamurthi Bhavan here but it was the then Chief Minister Karunanidhi, who offered land at Gandhi Mandapam to build a memorial for Kamaraj.” 

Gandhi mandapam as consolation prize for passing away on Gandhi Jayanti?

So, which is it? Was a Marina burial demanded and denied? Or did the DMK proactively offer Guindy as a mark of honour? The historical record has been twisted conveniently — sometimes to attack, sometimes to defend.

What remains undisputed is this: Kamaraj, despite his towering legacy, was denied Marina burial by the Karunanidhi government. That decision, whether rooted in vendetta or political insecurity, was an insult.

The Hypocrisy In 2018

Fast-forward to August 2018. Karunanidhi dies. He is not the sitting Chief Minister. By his own standard, that only incumbent CMs deserved Marina, he should not have been buried there. Yet, the DMK demanded a Marina grave, and the AIADMK government initially denied the request.

In a press release, Chief Secretary Girija Vaidyanathan cited legal obstacles and the fact that Karunanidhi was not a serving CM. The government’s counsel even reminded the Madras High Court that Karunanidhi had himself denied Kamaraj the same honour, setting the very precedent now being challenged.

But after a late-night legal battle, the High Court ruled in DMK’s favour. Karunanidhi was laid to rest beside Annadurai, at the Marina. No erosion, no legal impediment, no maintenance woes.

The message seemed unmistakable: rules only apply to your opponents. What was too much for Kamaraj was just right for Karunanidhi.

A Memorial For Some, Not All

Gandhi Mandapam, where Kamaraj was cremated, remains the site for national leaders like Rajaji and Bhaktavatsalam. In contrast, Marina became the pantheon of Dravidian leaders. This segregation, though unspoken, exposes the DMK’s selective reverence.

A freedom fighter, a national builder, and a Chief Minister who transformed Tamil Nadu’s political and educational landscape denied the honour accorded to regional leaders of lesser stature. That is the legacy of Karunanidhi’s politics of memory.

If hypocrisy had a name, it would be the Karunanidhi family itself.

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The post The Forgotten Insult: Did Karunanidhi Deliberately Deny Kamarajar A Memorial At Marina Beach? appeared first on The Commune.

For the past three days, DMK’s unofficial IT wing has been working overtime to defend Rajya Sabha MP Tiruchi Siva while simultaneously launching a smear campaign against the late Chief Minister K. Kamaraj on social media.

DMK Deputy General Secretary and Rajya Sabha MP Tiruchi Siva came under heavy fire from netizens and political circles alike after making disparaging remarks about former Chief Minister K. Kamaraj during a party meeting in Perambur. Siva claimed that Kamaraj couldn’t sleep without air conditioning and credited the late DMK leader Karunanidhi for installing one for him, an attempt to glorify Karunanidhi while undermining Kamaraj’s legacy.

The comments sparked outrage, as they struck a nerve with many who revere Kamaraj as one of Tamil Nadu’s most selfless leaders. The backlash online was swift and unforgiving, with many demanding an unconditional apology from Siva and calling on the DMK to hold him accountable.

Yet, while public anger mounted, Dravidianist social media handles sprang into action spinning narratives to justify Siva’s comments and doubling down by attempting to mock and discredit Kamaraj further.

One such voice, a Dravidianist goes by the name ‘Kabilan,’ posted an unverified old photograph of a bedroom with an air conditioner, claiming it was Kamaraj’s. In a sarcastic tone, he wrote, “In the lineage of Kakkan – Jeeva – Bharathiyar, they’ve finally broken Kamaraj’s furniture,” implying that some hidden truth had been revealed. He added mockingly, “There was an air conditioner in the house where he lived.”

Another self-proclaimed Pro-Dravidianist simp named ‘Schumy Vanna Kaviyangal’ publicly ridiculed former Chief Minister Kamarajar by sharing a morphed image like caricature. This action was reportedly aimed to mock Kamarajar and silence the protests of Congress Karur MP Jothimani, who had criticized DMK MP Tiruchi Siva’s recent comments about Kamarajar.

Yet another pro-Dravidianist simp, ‘U2Brutus’, buttressed DMK MP Siva’s speech and delivered a moralistic sermon to Congress, stating, “This is what brother Trichy Siva Anna spoke. I don’t see anything wrong in it, nor do I feel there is even an iota of intention to demean our revered leader. I don’t understand why Sister Jyothimani and brother Selvaperunthagai are reacting like this. What was the Congress’s counter-reaction to Seeman, who spoke degradingly about Sister Jyothimani?”

இதுதான் திருச்சி சிவாண்ண பேசியது.. இதுல தவறா எதுவும் இருப்பதாகவோ அல்லது அய்யா பெருந்தலைவர் அவர்களை சிறுமைப்படுத்த வேண்டும் என்கிற எண்ணமோ துளியும் இருப்பதாக எனக்கு தெரியவில்லை.. இதற்கு அக்கா ஜோதிமணியும் அண்ணன் செல்வப்பெருந்தகையும் ஏன் இப்படி ரியாக்ட் செய்கிறார்கள் என்று… pic.twitter.com/rmeyGHllah

— U2 Brutus (@U2Brutus_off) July 17, 2025

A Dravidianist who goes by the name ‘Alien’, shared an alleged video of Tamilaruvi Maniyan, in which he states, “Even Kamarajar couldn’t live without air conditioning in his final days.” Alongside the video, ‘Alien’ remarked, “Listen to Thamizharuvi Manian, who runs a party in Kamarajar’s name. This is all well-known fact to the older generation. What’s the big deal about AC? It is a well-known and very common facts back then that Kamarajar smoked and Anna used snuff. After Kamarajar’s time, the media continuously spun stories like “when he traveled by car,” and a generation from a landlord-like party grew up reading only that. They know neither Kamarajar nor Kalaignar. They’re just using this opportunity to assert their presence and put on a show of loyalty to party predecessors, that’s all.”

காமராஜ் பெயரிலேயே கட்சி நடத்தும் தமிழருவி மணியன் பேசுவதைக் கேளுங்கள்.

இதெல்லாம் பழைய ஆட்களுக்கு நன்கு தெரிந்த செய்திதான். ஏசியென்ன பெரிய ஏசி.. காமராஜ் சிகரெட் பிடிப்பார் என்பதோ அண்ணா பொடி போடுவார் என்பதோ அன்றைக்கு மிக இயல்பாக அனைவருக்கும் தெரிந்த செய்திகள்.

காமராஜரின்… pic.twitter.com/ZojDYC2nHu

— Alíén (@Alien18R) July 16, 2025

Another Dravidianist going by the name ‘Dravidian Vision’ opined, “What MP Trichy Siva said is true. It was Leader Kalaignar who instructed that air conditioning be arranged in the government hostels where Perundhalaivar Kamaraj stayed. Kalaignar himself confirmed this on Facebook.”

What MP Trichy Siva said is true.

It was Leader Kalaignar who instructed that air conditioning be arranged in the government hostels where Perundhalaivar Kamaraj stayed.

Kalaignar himself confirmed this on Facebook.#Kalaignar #TrichySiva #Kamaraj #DravidianVision pic.twitter.com/flk6ihLjmt

— Dravidian Vision (@dravidianvision) July 16, 2025

Another Dravidianist sympathizer, in reference to DMK MP Siva’s speech, stated, “Nowhere, did he mention anything wrong about Kamarajar? It just shows the bond between the two leaders. It highlights the respect and regard Kalaignar had for Kamarajar, and the affection Kamarajar had for Kalaignar. Is this why these blind, Congress landlords and new backward-thinkers are jumping around?”

எங்கேயும் காமராஜர் குறித்து தவறா குறிப்பிடலையே? இரு தலைவர்களுக்கு இருந்த பிணைப்பு தான் தெரியுது.கலைஞர் காமராஜர் மீது வைத்த மதிப்பும் ,மரியாதையும் , காமராஜர் கலைஞர் மீது வைத்துயிருந்த அன்பையும் தான் காட்டுது. இதுக்கா காங்கிரஸ் பண்ணையார்கள் புதிய பார்வையற்ற பிற்போக்குவாதிகள்… pic.twitter.com/79DvaXWc5f

— ً (@anonymoustXuser) July 17, 2025

Another Dravidianist sympathizer mocked saying, “Why are they so shy about saying a former Chief Minister had AC? Is it because they can no longer spin tales about him being a simple man? Congress has always meant landlords, right from the old days. Now, fairy tale stories won’t work. Understand the reality and do some fieldwork, folks.”

ஒரு முன்னாள் முதலவர் AC வச்சிருந்தார் னு சொல்ல ஏன் இவ்ளோ கூச்ச படுறானுக…. எளிய மனிதர் கப்சா லாம் இனி உருட்ட முடியாதுன்னா?

காங்கிரஸ் ன்னாலே பண்ணையார் தானடா அந்த காலம் தொட்டு

இனி fairy tale stories லாம் எடுபடாது. எதார்த்தத்த புரிஞ்சிட்டு field work பண்ணுங்க டா #HBDKamarajar

— நாடோடி (@The_Paradhesi) July 17, 2025

Another Dravidianist sympathizer mocked saying, “When someone says Kamarajar slept with AC… they start wailing that he’s been disgraced. When someone who takes a private flight to attend an actress’s wedding is called “Young Kamarajar,” they shut up. Who the hell are you guys?”

காமராஜர் ஏசி போட்டு தூங்குனார்ன்னு சொன்னா…அசிங்கப்படுத்திட்டாங்கன்னு ஒப்பாரி வைக்கிறானுக..

தனி பிளைட் பிடிச்சு நடிகை கல்யாணத்துக்கு போறவன இளைய காமராஜர்ன்னு சொன்னா பொத்திக்கிட்டு இருக்கானுக..

யார்றா நீங்க..

— காண்டாமிருகர் (@RhinoExtinct) July 17, 2025

Another Dravidianist sympathizer virtue signaled asking, “Why can’t they accept the simple truth that a person who was Chief Minister twice and one of the country’s foremost leaders was in such a physical state in his final days that he couldn’t sleep without AC?What kind of disgrace has befallen Kamarajar’s reputation because of this? Furthermore, @tiruchisiva clearly stated that it wasn’t for luxury, but due to his health, that he had that need. This information was even shared with the intention of explaining how much leader Kalaignar cared for Kamarajar’s health. It’s disgusting to see some people in the Congress party engaging in cheap politics by taking a statement made with a pure heart.”

இரண்டு முறை முதல்வராக இருந்தவர், நாட்டின் முன்னணி தலைவர்களுள் ஒருவராக இருந்தவர் தனது இறுதிக்காலத்தில் ஏ.சி இல்லாமல் உறங்க முடியாத உடல்நிலையோடு இருந்தார் என்ற சாதாரண உண்மையையே ஏன் இவர்களால் ஏற்றுக்கொள்ள முடியவில்லை?

இதனால் காமராஜரின் புகழுக்கு அப்படியென்ன இழிவு ஏற்பட்டுவிட்டது?…

— Ganesh Babu (@iganeshDMK) July 17, 2025

A Dravidianist sympathizer followed suit by sharing old social media post by former Chief Minister Karunanidhi and old AC room picture to justify DMK MP Tiruchi Siva’s recent statements.

#FactCheck #Kamarajar #TrichySiva pic.twitter.com/7ULPhps2bL

— Jokin Jeyapaul (@jokinjey) July 16, 2025

அவசரப்பட்டு பொங்க வேண்டாம் @SanjaiGandhi… உண்மையை தெரிஞ்சுக்கணும்… #காமராஜர் #காமராசர் #Kamarajar https://t.co/Kkh1T6FpCi pic.twitter.com/Rw8rLp6StW

— MathiMaran (@MathiMa02738845) July 17, 2025

#காமராஜர் என்கிற ஆளுமையின் பிம்பம் லேசாக உடையும் போது வருகிற ஆற்றாமையின் வெளிப்பாடு #காங்கிரஸ் இரண்டாம் நிலை தலைகள் காட்டுவது. தலைவர் என்றால் அது #ராகுல்காந்தி மட்டுமே.!#திமுக கூட்டணியில் எதேனும் "இழவு" விழாதா என்பது #அண்ணாமலை மற்றும் #தவழபாடி யின் எதிர்பார்ப்பு.?#வித்தியாசம் pic.twitter.com/CilmDDbmeV

— விஷ்வா I Viswa (@chennaiviswa2) July 18, 2025

இங்க மரியாதை என்பது ராகுலுக்காகவும் அன்னை சோனியாக்காக மட்டும்தான்…வாய்ப்பு கிடைத்ததே என ராஜீவ் கொல்லப்பட்டப்போது திமுக கொடி மரங்களை தேடித் தேடி வெட்டி வஞ்சம் தீர்த்தவர்களுக்கு அல்ல… pic.twitter.com/RXMiI7Th0R

— வரவணை செந்தில் (@Varavanaisen) July 16, 2025

கர்மவீரர் காமராஜர் அய்யா தங்கிய அறையில், வாஷிங் மெஷினை எதுக்கு செவுத்துல மாட்டி வச்சிருக்காங்க அக்கா? https://t.co/4l0esSoyI7 pic.twitter.com/PlFQQmZhQ2

— ஆல்தோட்டபூபதி (@thoatta) July 17, 2025

This coordinated attempt to rewrite the legacy of a respected leader has not gone unnoticed and it’s only adding fuel to the fire.

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The post DMK’s Unofficial IT Wing Goes On A Rampage To Ridicule And Derogate Kamarajar appeared first on The Commune.

DMK Deputy General Secretary and Rajya Sabha MP Tiruchi Siva came under heavy fire from netizens and political circles alike after making disparaging remarks about former Chief Minister K. Kamaraj during a party meeting in Perambur. Siva claimed that Kamaraj couldn’t sleep without air conditioning and credited the late DMK leader Karunanidhi for installing one for him, an attempt to glorify Karunanidhi while undermining Kamaraj’s legacy.

The comments sparked outrage, as they struck a nerve with many who revere Kamaraj as one of Tamil Nadu’s most selfless leaders. In just nine years, Kamaraj achieved what most political parties couldn’t do in any decades. He led a life of simplicity and integrity, prioritizing public welfare over personal comfort a legacy no one in power today has dared to match.

Since Tiruchi Siva’s remarks, social media has been abuzz with backlash, with users mocking him both personally and politically. Many demanded a formal apology and called on the DMK leadership to take strict action against him.

Even Congress MLA Rajesh Kumar subtly criticized Tiruchi Siva, remarking, “Tiruchi Siva said Kamaraj won’t sleep without AC. But everyone knows who can’t sleep without whom.” While refraining from a direct attack, he added, “Considering coalition ethics, I have to register my condemnation courteously.”

However, he didn’t hold back entirely, warning, “I want to state that individuals like Trichy Siva, who lack personal integrity and are enjoying power through the back door without meeting the people or making way for younger generations, will face severe consequences if they continue to speak about Karmaveerar Kamarajar.”

"தனிமனித ஒழுக்கம் இல்லாதவர் திருச்சி சிவா.." மக்களை சந்திக்காமல் கொல்லைப் புறமாக வந்து பதவி சுகத்தை அனுபவிப்பவர்.. காமராஜர் பற்றி இனியும் பேசினால் கடும் விளைவுகளை சந்திக்க நேரிடும்.. காங்கிரஸ் கண்டனம்…!#Polimer | #Kamaraj | #TiruchiNSiva | #Congress pic.twitter.com/sUsXh4Yj3g

— Polimer News (@polimernews) July 17, 2025

Meanwhile, netizens took the gloves off, resurfacing a viral 2016 incident in which former AIADMK MP Sasikala Pushpa slapped Tiruchi Siva. Pictures of the two available online shows them being in some form of close relationship. With biting sarcasm, many said, “If Kamaraj couldn’t sleep without AC, then Siva can’t sleep without S**ikala P*sh*a.”

காமராஜர் ஏசி இல்லாம தூங்க மாட்டாரு…

அப்போ நீங்க?

நா புஷ்பா இல்லாம தூங்க மாட்டேன்… pic.twitter.com/NFlXUa4fhn

— தனி ஒருவன் (@Unicorn_cbe) July 17, 2025

திருச்சி சிவா மன்னிப்பு கேட்கும் வரை பங்கம் செய்வோம்‌…#Kamarajar #TrichySiva pic.twitter.com/oxiv4IzvsC

— Asmathulla MBA., (@asmathwise) July 17, 2025

காமராஜர் ஏசி அறையில் தான் உறங்குவார்..

சரி டா சிவா

நீ எங்க உறங்குவ ?

சசிகலா புஷ்பா மடியில்.

த்தூத்தெரி pic.twitter.com/3gPOwU2lDi

— திலீபன் (@Thili21) July 16, 2025

அவர் ஏசி இல்லாமல் தூங்க மாட்டார்…
நான் வேC இல்லாமல் தூங்க மாட்டேன்…
புஷ்பா புருஷன்… 2.0 pic.twitter.com/k8FuKngYyU

— Namo Balu (@ssbalu6465) July 18, 2025

டேய்…புஷ்பா புருசனே நீ பண்ணுன வேலைக்கு அவனுங்க என்னைய போட்டு அடிக்கிறாங்கடா…

வாயையும் சூத்தையும் மூடிட்டு சும்மா இருக்க மாட்டியா…

pic.twitter.com/XueYWdEAee

— சுரேஷ் சொக்கலிங்கம் தமிழன் (@suresh15876832) July 18, 2025

கருணாநிதிக்கு வச்சான் பாரு ஆப்பு, புஷ்பா புருஷன்! pic.twitter.com/54X11iGh34

— நீதிமான் (@Neethiman3) July 18, 2025

#திமுக வின் திருச்சி சிவா ஒரு மூதேவி, சசிகலா புஷ்பா -விடம் செருப்பால் அடி வாங்கியன்… பைத்தியம்..

கற்பனை உலகில் வாழ்பவன் என்று #காங்கிரஸ் கட்சியை சேர்ந்த திருச்சி வேலுச்சாமி காட்டம். pic.twitter.com/Cceze1c6dO

— Black Force TVK (@Pradeepmsg) July 16, 2025

புஷ்பா எங்க https://t.co/YngPaJGKpK… #TrichySiva #DMK #ChennaiFloods #திருச்சிசிவா pic.twitter.com/HifBbUaGyD

— KKSR (@KrishSoundarRa1) February 10, 2024

உன்ன மாதிரி ஆயிரம் பேர் வந்து அவதூறு பரப்பினாலும் காமராஜரோட ஆட்சியையும் நேர்மையையும் அவர் செய்த நன்மைகளையும் மறுக்கவும் முடியாது மறைக்கவும் முடியாது.

நீங்களாம் அவர் பக்கத்துல நிக்க கூட தகுதி இல்லாதவர்கள்.#காமராஜர் pic.twitter.com/50Zd3p7Nki

— 𝐀𝐧𝐚𝐧𝐝‌‌‌ (@AnandMunus43974) July 17, 2025

திருச்சி சிவா,தமிழ்நாட்டு உடைய சாபம், தமிழ்நாட்டுடைய களங்கம்., இப்படிப்பட்ட பைத்தியக்காரன் எல்லாம் 20 வருஷமா டெல்லி பாராளுமன்றத்தில் எம்பியாக இருந்தது.
சசிகலா புஷ்பா திருச்சி ஏர்போட்டில் செருப்பு கழட்டி அடிச்ச போது ஒரு எதிர்த்து பேசாத ஒரு நாளாந்தார மனிதனிடம் என்ன எதிர்பார்க்க… pic.twitter.com/0k1dHtfsCU

— MANAVAI S.SELVARAJ SayYesToWomenSafety & AIADMK (@Selva_AIADMK) July 16, 2025

சசிகலா புஷ்பா கிட்ட டெல்லி எர்ப்போட்ல செருப்பால அடிக்கும் போது கூட எதிர்த்து பேசாம வந்தவன் இந்த மூதேவி- காங்கிரஸ் மூத்த தலைவர் வேலுச்சாமி

பைத்தியகாரன் மாதிரி பேசிட்டு இருக்கான்

pic.twitter.com/Y1ITHsR9JP

— மாதேஷ் 𝗧𝗩𝗞 (@V_F_C_Madesh) July 16, 2025

சசிகலா புஷ்பா கிட்ட டெல்லி ஏர்போர்ட் செருப்படி வாங்கினியா @tiruchisiva மாமே

ஏர்போர்ட்ல செருப்படி வாங்கிட்டு தலைய தொங்க போட்டுக்கிட்டு வந்தியா மா

என்ன ஒரு மானங்கெட்ட மந்திரி டா நீ… அப்படின்னு திருச்சி வேலுச்சாமி சொன்னார்…@Iyankarthikeyan பண்ணி சொல்லுங்க அண்ணே… Delhi…

— பம்பாய்காரன் (@hariharanvenkat) July 17, 2025

ஏசி அறையில் தான் காமராஜர் உறங்குவார்! – திருச்சி சிவா.

"ம்ம் அப்புறம் சார் எங்கே?

சசிகலா புஷ்பா மடியில தான் தூங்குவீங்களா?" pic.twitter.com/qLKRaani1V

— மாணிக்க மைந்தன் (@manickamainthan) July 17, 2025

@grok அப்ப இதுக ரெண்டும் யாரு? மணிரத்னமும், சுகாசினியுமா? இந்த போட்டோல உள்ளவங்க தான் அந்த போட்டோல உள்ளவங்களும்.. திருச்சி சிவா, மற்றும் சசிகலா புஷ்பா.. pic.twitter.com/zl1Trvxhtg

— குட்டி (@KhanShangi) July 17, 2025

இந்த படம் எல்லாம் இருக்கு,
ஆனா, அந்த படம் மட்டும் இல்ல…

நண்பர்கள் யாருகிட்டயாவது
இருந்தா அனுப்புங்க…

அட, நீங்க நினைக்கிற
‘அந்த’ படம் இல்லீங்க…

டெல்லி ஏர்போர்ட்டில்,
சசிகலா புஷ்பா செருப்பை கழட்டி
திருச்சி சிவா கன்னத்தில் அடித்த
படம் இருந்தா அனுப்புங்க…

— நியூஸ் நிஜம் (@Newsnijam2) July 17, 2025

சசிகலா புஷ்பா கிட்ட செருப்படி வாங்கினவன் எல்லாம் தலைவனா திருட்டு திமுக

— Sanjai Ramasamy (@sanjairam) July 18, 2025

ஏசி இல்லாது பெரும் தலைவர் காமராஜர் தூங்கமாட்டார், அடுத்தவன் பொண்டாடி இல்லாது நான் தூங்கமாட்டேன் புஷ்பா (கள்ள)புருஷன் புது தகவல் pic.twitter.com/BTXMTgKhUC

— Dr.அக்கினிகுஞ்சு (@qmbzt) July 17, 2025

இரண்டக்கும் ஒரு ஒற்றுமை உள்ளது.

பதில் சொல்பவர்களுக்கு சிறந்த பரிசு உண்டு.

சசிகலா புஷ்பா உன்னை செருப்பால் அடித்தது தவறே இல்லை @tiruchisiva @BJP4TamilNadu @annamalai_k @NainarBJP pic.twitter.com/X1rLEHA6XW

— DG Mahesh (@DGMaheshBJP) July 16, 2025

Ac இல்லாம தூங்க மாட்டேன் சொல்றது தப்பில்ல…. புஷ்பா இல்லாம தூங்க மாட்டேன் சொல்றது தான் தப்பு. pic.twitter.com/BxSJI2daT1

— DR PK (@trackerdmk) July 17, 2025

திருச்சி சிவாவை டெல்லி விமான நிலையத்தில் சசிகலா புஷ்பா செருப்பால் அடித்தது சரிதான் என்பதை தன் வாயால் இன்று திருச்சி சிவா நிரூபித்து விட்டார்!திருச்சி சிவாவை டெல்லி விமான நிலையத்தில் சசிகலா புஷ்பா செருப்பால் அடித்தது சரிதான் என்பதை தன் வாயால் இன்று திருச்சி சிவா நிரூபித்து விட்டார pic.twitter.com/5Yq75iAQAO

— chandran (@krishjai2006) July 16, 2025

சசிகலா புஷ்பா ஏன் திருச்சி சிவாவை டெல்லி ஏர்போட்டில் வைத்து செருப்பால் அடித்தார்? திடுக்கிடும், உடைபடும் உண்மை ரகஷியம் pic.twitter.com/opkm54qiaD

— Dr.அக்கினிகுஞ்சு (@qmbzt) July 17, 2025

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The post “Has Affairs, Became MP Through Backdoor”: Tamil Netizens Slam DMK MP Tiruchi Siva For Insulting Kamaraj To Glorify Karunanidhi appeared first on The Commune.