Picture : Twitter / ANI
Sparking a massive political row , Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam leader A Raja has implored Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah to provide ‘state autonomy’, and not push them to seek an independent country.
Though the icon of the Dravidian movement, Thanthai Periyar stood for an independent Tamil Nadu, the DMK moved away from it, Raja said on Sunday addressing a party meet of representatives of urban local bodies, reported PTI.
The conference was held in Namakkal in western Tamil Nadu.
The party, though accepted Periyar, backed integrity and democracy and said, ‘long live India’ and the party continues to stick to that line.
“I am telling Amit Shah and the prime minister with utmost humility, I implore you in the presence of (our) leaders on the dais, our chief minister is journeying on the path of Anna (former chief minister and DMK founder), do not push us on the path of Periyar. Do not make us seek a separate country, give state autonomy and we will not rest till then,” he said.
Raja’s remark invited sharp criticisms in the social media with several hitting out at him for ‘separatist’ comment.
Tamil Nadu BJP vice-president Narayanan Tirupathi condemned Raja’s remark as ‘blatantly divisive’.
However, it was not a matter of surprise as the DMK is known for its ‘divisive’ attitude.
“But what is shocking and surprising is that Chief Minister M K Stalin remained a mute spectator. I condemn his silence. He has taken oath of office, affirming allegiance to the Constitution.”
