In a recent political row, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) president and actor Vijay lambasted Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman for her comments on E.V. Ramasamy, popularly called Periyar. The verbal spat has led to a Greater conversation about Periyar’s legacy and political importance of his thoughts in contemporary Tamil Nadu.
Background of the Controversy
While delivering a recent speech, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman spoke about Periyar’s stance on the Tamil language. She Inferred that Periyar’s focus on social reform led him to reject the importance of the Tamil language. Sitharaman’s statement was made while making a defense of the policies that were implemented by the central government in response to criticism from Tamil Nadu political leadership.
Her Comments were interpreted by most an effort to minimize Periyar’s achievements and reinterpret his ideology to fit a political agenda. This evoked widespread responses across the political spectrum in Tamil Nadu, with Vijay being one of the most vocal opponents.
Vijay’s Strong Rebuttal
Vijay, a newly formed founder of the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) party, responded angrily to Sitharaman’s words. He stated that invoking the name of Periyar against political attacks by the Union government only serves to show the lasting importance of Periyar’s philosophy.
Vijay pointed out that Periyar’s writings were focused on social justice, rationalism, and the elimination of discrimination based on caste. In his view, Sitharaman’s statement was not only wrong but insulting to a leader who continues to influence Tamil Nadu’s social and political life.
“Periyar believed in equality and Against social injustices. Any effort to twist his legacy will not be Greetings by the people of Tamil Nadu,” Vijay said. His comments
reiterated that the ideological fight over Periyar’s legacy continues to be at the core of Tamil Nadu’s identity and politics.
Why Periyar’s Legacy Matters Today
E.V. Ramasamy Periyar (1879–1973) was a social revolutionary who preached rationalism, self-respect, and the eradication of the caste system. His Self-Respect Movement formed the basis of important social and political reforms in Tamil Nadu.
Periyar fought religious orthodoxy and advocated for gender equality, thus arising a revolutionary force in the location. His contributions are rooted deeply in Dravidian party policies, which stay dominant in Tamil Nadu’s politics.
For the most of Tamil citizens, efforts to downplay or falsely portray Periyar’s work are considered an attack on their social and cultural identity.
Political Reactions and Public Sentiment
Vijay’s attack on Sitharaman has received strong support from his fans and other opposition parties in Tamil Nadu. Senior Dravidian leaders Additionally, criticized Sitharaman’s statement, alleging that the central government was Making an effort to manipulate history for political reasons.
Social media platforms have been flooded with hashtags supporting Periyar and condemning Sitharaman’s comments. Tamil Nadu’s citizens have a deep emotional connection to Periyar’s ideals, which has made The problem is quite sensitive and politically charged.
Conclusion
The confrontation between Vijay and Nirmala Sitharaman about Periyar’s legacy is indicative of wider conflicts between Tamil Nadu’s regional identity and the narrative of the central government. Vijay’s rapid and aggressive response marks his entry a strong political voice championing social justice and Tamil pride.
As Tamil Nadu stay committed to Periyar’s ideals, the controversy highlights The lasting impact of his vision and the imperative to protect and respect his legacy in modern politics.