Latest news with #Brahminism
The Hindu
a day ago
- Politics
- The Hindu
AIADMK functionaries criticise Thirumavalavan for his remarks that MGR, Jayalalithaa promoted Brahminism
The observations of the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) founder Thol. Thirumavalavan a few days ago about the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) founder-cum-former Chief Minister M.G. Ramachandran and his successor Jayalalithaa promoting Brahminism have come in for sharp criticism from a host of the latter party's functionaries. Two-time former MP from Tiruvallur (reserved) constituency, P. Venugopal, emphasises that based on his relationship with the two deceased leaders, 'I can say loudly that their politics was not based on caste lines.' Supporting SCs On the contrary, they went 'out of their way' to support Scheduled Castes. It was on MGR's recommendation that Sathyavani Muthu, who was 'hounded out' of the DMK, was made a Union Minister in the Charan Singh-led regime at the Centre, Dr. Venugopal recalls. 'When M. Thambidurai became Deputy Speaker of the Lok Sabha in 2014, Amma [Jayalalithaa] made me the parliamentary party leader and not V. Maitreyan [a Brahmin], who was a Rajya Sabha Member for about 10 years then. Not just that, she had pursued my case with powers that be in New Delhi and ensured that I was seated on the front row at the Lok Sabha alongside floor leaders of the BJP and the Congress, as the AIADMK was the third largest party. Our strength in the two houses of Parliament was once 50,' he recounts. Former Minister D. Jayakumar questions whether Mr. Thirumavalavan has been used to deflect the public attention from the issue of agitation by a section of conservancy workers in Chennai. 'MGR is loved by the people as he had implemented welfare schemes, transcending the barrier of caste,' the former Minister observes in a post on his social media handle. AIADMK student wing State secretary Singai G. Ramachandran, who finished third in the Coimbatore Lok Sabha constituency during the 2024 poll, cites the action of MGR in replacing the hereditary system of Village Administrative Officers (VAO) with the system of appointing individuals as VAOs based on merit. He refers to the instance of Jayalalithaa fielding Dalit Ezhilmalai in a general constituency — Tiruchi Lok Sabha seat — during the 2001 bypoll. Mr. Ramachandran gives the credit to the two former Chief Ministers for raising and safeguarding the quantum of communal reservation in excess of 50%.
India Today
a day ago
- Politics
- India Today
MGR enabled Brahminism in Dravidian politics: DMK ally party's leader fuels debate
A war of words erupted after Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) leader Thol Thirumavalavan made controversial remarks about former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and AIADMK founder M G Ramachandran (MGR).Speaking at a memorial function for former Chief Minister M Karunanidhi in Chennai, Thirumavalavan alleged that MGR was responsible for allowing Brahminism to penetrate Dravidian claimed MGR had criticised former Chief Minister M Karunanidhi, sowed the seeds of hate politics, and paved the way for a Brahmin woman to become the leader of a Dravidian party. 'Apart from all these criticisms, one good thing that happened due to MGR is that national parties were not allowed to stabilise here,' he AIADMK General Secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami (EPS) hit back strongly, warning that Thirumavalavan had 'no standard' to speak about MGR.'Tamil Nadu people consider MGR as God. If he criticises such a person, he will vanish from politics,' EPS Thirumavalavan issued a clarification, saying his comments were not meant to insult MGR.'I spoke about MGR in the context of Tamil Nadu politics. I respect both MGR and Jayalalithaa and have openly appreciated her several times. I had no will to insult MGR,' he said, adding that his remarks referred to how 'hate politics spun around' Karunanidhi.- Ends IN THIS STORY#Tamil Nadu
New Indian Express
3 days ago
- Politics
- New Indian Express
VCK's Thol Thirumavalavan defends ‘Brahmin' remark, EPS chastises MGR bashers
SALEM/ TIRUCHY: Two days after VCK leader Thol Thirumavalavan's remark against former chief ministers MG Ramachandran and J Jayalalithaa, AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami on Saturday said those who speak against MGR would fade away in Tamil Nadu politics. The AIADMK leader was addressing a party induction event in Omalur, where nearly 1,000 members from various political parties joined the party. Thirumavalavan, while addressing a memorial function for former Chief Minister M Karunanidhi in Chennai on Thursday, had said 'there is popular opinion that MGR's entry had brought 'benefit' to certain political forces by sowing anti-Karunanidhi sentiment, enabling the infiltration of Brahminism into the Dravidian movement, and paving the way for a Brahmin woman to lead a Dravidian party'. He had also said national parties were not able to grow in the state amidst the fight between these parties. After his speech stoked controversy, Thirumavalavan told reporters at Tiruchy airport on Saturday that he had no intention of insulting MGR or J Jayalalithaa and that his remarks in Chennai were aimed at explaining how Tamil Nadu politics had revolved around Karunanidhi over the past 60 years. 'In my speech, I said that politics was centred on opposing Karunanidhi. I also said that AIADMK, under MGR and Jayalalithaa had functioned largely as a 'Karunanidhi-opposition',' he said.
Time of India
3 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Thol Thirumavalavan will disappear from politics if he criticises MGR: EPS
SALEM: general secretary on Saturday said VCK leader Thol Thirumavalavan will disappear from the political landscape if he continues to criticise late Tamil Nadu chief minister M G Ramachandran (MGR). Tired of too many ads? go ad free now EPS was reacting to Thirumavalavan's remark at a function in Chennai on Friday that MGR had played a role in bringing Brahminism to the Dravidian movement. "MGR enabled a Brahmin woman ( ) to ascend to the leadership of the Dravidian movement," Thirumavalavan had stated. Palaniswami said Thirumavalavan lacked the credentials to discuss MGR. "MGR is revered as a god by the people of Tamil Nadu. Criticizing someone of that stature will lead to their political disappearance," he said responding to a question by reporters in Salem. EPS emphasized that it was unfeasible to engage in politics based solely on one caste. 'The AIADMK remains a party that transcends caste and religion. Our movement has numerous caste associations and individuals from various religions," he said. "Those who cannot accept this are expressing their anger and hatred through such remarks," he added. It may be noted that Thirumavalavan had also said in the same speech in Chennai that no national party could form a govt in the state after MGR floated a new party (AIADMK). 'More importantly, the BJP could not gain foothold in the state,' he had said.
Mint
27-06-2025
- General
- Mint
Influencer rants about Chennai flat being available only to vegetarians; social media reacts, ‘Uska ghar uski marzi'
Social media influencer Prashanth Rangaswamy's post about trying to find a new flat in Chennai has gone viral. 'Eating non veg is injurious to finding flats for rent in Chennai,' Prashanth wrote while sharing the screenshot of a WhatsApp chat, assumably from the owner. 'Sorry, sir. Looking at veg only families (sic),' says the screenshot of the WhatsApp chat. The Twitter (now X) post has gained 2 million views. Many users commented to criticise the house owner. 'I wonder how social media will outrage if non vegetarians start denying renting their houses to vegetarians,' wrote one user. 'Only 3% of Tamil Nadu is vegetarian. I'm sore you will find house amongst the other 97%,' wrote another. One user quipped, 'Hope their walls are built by vegetarians.' At the same time, many users did not appreciate the post. An X user argued that preferring a vegetarian tenant should be considered casteism but a personal choice, similar to rules like 'no pets' or 'bachelors only'. The user criticised the habit of blaming Brahminism for every such decision, calling it ideological desperation. According to the user, not all vegetarians are Brahmins, and many people, including some non-vegetarians, avoid cooking meat at home due to smell or religious reasons. The user stressed mutual respect: 'Your beef with Brahmins (pun intended) doesn't mean everyone else should marinate in meat. Respect is mutual, so is choice. Eat what you want in your house, respect what people want in theirs.' Another user commented, 'His house his rules ….Pls buy one and rent it out to whoever u want. The Flat owner can choose who they want to rent.' 'His flat his choice. He can decide not to give to fat people also if he wants,' came from another. 'Uska ghar uski marzi,' said another. Another user argued, 'Though it is wrong and illogical but still it's his house so he has full right to choose his tenants. Muslims also do this halal practices drama no…. so if no one questions them, so this flat owner shouldn't be questioned.'
