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Following a wave of backlash over comments made about former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and Congress veteran K Kamaraj, DMK president and Chief Minister MK Stalin on Thursday, July 17, urged his party members to avoid engaging in “pointless debates.” The controversy, which strained relations between the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) and its ally, the Congress, prompted Stalin to issue a public appeal aimed at preserving unity within the alliance.
In a social media post, Stalin emphasised the DMK’s long-standing respect for Kamaraj. “It was Thanthai Periyar who praised Kamaraj as a true Tamilian. It was Arignar Anna who chose not to field a candidate against him in the Gudiyatham by-election. It was Kalaignar who stood by Kamaraj like a son during his final rites, built a memorial in his honour, and declared his birthday as Education Development Day,” Stalin wrote.
He further urged, “Let us not give room to the thoughts of evil-minded people who intend to incite division and gain from it.”
The controversy was sparked by comments made by DMK’s Deputy General Secretary and Rajya Sabha MP, Tiruchi Siva, during a speech at an event in Perambur, Chennai, marking Kamaraj’s 123rd birth anniversary. Siva recounted an anecdote intended to illustrate the camaraderie between Kamaraj and DMK patriarch M Karunanidhi, despite their political rivalry.
Siva said, “Although Kamaraj had criticised the DMK government over power shortages, Karunanidhi ensured that air conditioners were installed in all government traveller’s bungalows where Kamaraj stayed, as he had a medical condition that made it difficult for him to sleep without one.”
However, the remark was widely perceived as a slight against Kamaraj’s legacy, given his reputation for leading an austere life without personal luxuries or wealth.
Reacting sharply, Tamil Nadu Congress Committee (TNCC) president K Selvaperunthagai said Siva had no right to make such statements about a leader known for his simplicity. “Kamaraj led a humble life, and such remarks only serve to spread misinformation,” he said.
Congress MP S. Jothimani also refuted Siva’s comments, stating, “Kamaraj was known for his honesty and modesty. He would often sleep under trees if rooms were not airy enough.” She added that misinformation and rumours spread by the DMK in the past had played a role in Kamaraj’s electoral defeat.
Tamil Maanila Congress (Moopanar) president G.K. Vasan also criticised the remarks, describing Kamaraj as a symbol of integrity and a role model for the people of Tamil Nadu.
AIADMK leader IS Inbadurai accused the DMK of attempting to tarnish Kamaraj’s legacy historically and continuing in the same vein even today.
“The same DMK members who once slandered Kamaraj by falsely claiming he had stashed money in Swiss banks are now insulting him again by making Trichy Siva say, ‘Kamaraj would not sleep without an Air Conditioner.’ Congress leaders, are you truly in an alliance with DMK or have you become their subordinates?”
In response to the controversy, Tiruchi Siva had issued a statement reiterating his respect for Kamaraj and appealed to the public not to misinterpret his remarks.
“I have always spoken with deep emotion and admiration about Kamaraj as a visionary in education and as the pioneer of the mid-day meal scheme that enabled countless underprivileged children to attend school,” Siva said.
He added that following Kamaraj’s death, Arignar Anna had paid poetic tributes, Kalaignar honoured him by naming the domestic terminal at Chennai Airport after him, and current Chief Minister Stalin continues to celebrate his birthday as Education Development Day.
“Walking in the footsteps of Anna, Kalaignar, and MK Stalin, I remain a committed party worker. I sincerely request everyone to accept my clarification and refrain from further debate on my remarks,” he said.