DMK organising secretary RS Bharathi’s remarks at a public meeting held in Karambakkam to mark the death anniversary of former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi have triggered controversy, with Bharathi making strong comments about voters, election setbacks and the party’s approach towards the public.
Speaking at the meeting, Bharathi recalled how Karunanidhi had responded to electoral defeats in the past and said the DMK was now working along the same lines to prepare for future elections.
“When someone remarked, “You achieved so much between 1996 and 2001, yet you lost the election,” our leader responded with great enthusiasm. He explained that the next election was approaching, and we were already—from that very day—digging the canal to ensure victory. He said, “If we dig the canal, the water will flow naturally; after five years, the water will come, and it will flow along the path we are carving now.” That is exactly what Kalaignar said, as Thalapathy told us, and that is what I wish to reiterate here. This is merely a temporary arrangement; there is no need for anyone to worry about it.”
‘From Now On, Please Just Keep Your Mouths Shut’
Bharathi then turned his attention to criticism over property tax increases and other issues, appearing to target those questioning the government despite having contested or participated in elections.
“Regarding the talk about property tax hikes—why are you so concerned? You speak with such feigned care. From now on, please just keep your mouths shut. Why worry about the opposition? They are the ones who voted for us. Only when they face the reality—standing on the road and feeling the harsh sun beating down on their heads for an hour—will this society finally gain some sense.”
He also questioned the need for certain facilities provided by the government, including air-conditioned bus stops, and criticised those who voted for the whistle symbol.
“You talk about things like air-conditioned bus stops, did anyone ask you for it? These bus stops that you built, all those who voted for ‘whistle’ are smoking ganja over there.”
RS Bharathi Asks Party Workers To Explain DMK’s History
Bharathi went on to say that voters should understand the history of the DMK, including the role of social reformer Periyar E.V. Ramasamy and the social conditions that existed a century ago.
“From now on, they need to learn the history of the party—what the DMK stands for, who Periyar was, and the state of society a hundred years ago. Who is responsible for the fact that we can all sit together on this stage today? Who was it that brought you in from standing a hundred feet away, gave you a seat, and accorded you respect? Tell them that; only then will they understand.”
He said the lack of awareness among people was partly because the party had failed to communicate its history and achievements to them.
“If you ask why they don’t know this—it is because no one tells them. You should go and explain it.”
‘Those People Won’t Die A Good Death’
Bharathi also spoke at length about former Tamil Nadu Health Minister Ma. Subramanian’s defeat in the Saidapet constituency and praised his work in the area.
“Look at Ma. Subramanian in the Saidapet constituency; no one has done the kind of work he has done. Even Kalaignar, as Chief Minister, used to speak of it with pride.”
Bharathi said Subramanian had brought a major hospital to the constituency and argued that the relatives of patients who received treatment there could have helped secure his victory had they voted for him.
“He couldn’t even manage to bring a major hospital to his own area—even though it would have been a huge boon for nearby places like Alandur. A patient at that hospital, if all the relatives of that patient had voted properly, he could have won; those people won’t die a good death, I am saying openly.”
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Bharathi further said, “To save a life is such a difficult job. Think of how many lives he must have saved. How many people did he give a new lease on life to? He studied here, too. He contributed to the Cancer Institute and supported various other causes.”
He added, “Don’t do that from now, give it to the party workers.”
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