Chennai, Oct 26:
DMK propaganda secretary and debate moderator Dindigul I Leoni triggered a political controversy on Sunday by invoking the Ramayana and Lord Ram to criticise the ruling Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) government, drawing a comparison between the footwear of former Chief Minister and DMK president M K Stalin and the legendary episode of Lord Ram’s sandals ruling Ayodhya.
Speaking at a wedding function in the family of senior DMK leader and former minister K K S S R Ramachandran in Chennai, in Stalin’s presence, Leoni said the welfare schemes introduced by the previous DMK government continued to benefit people even after the party lost power. He described the situation as being similar to Bharata ruling Ayodhya by placing Lord Ram’s footwear on the throne during his brother’s exile.
Leoni went beyond praising the previous regime’s welfare measures and predicted that the TVK government headed by Chief Minister Vijay would not last long. Referring to the traditional 14-year period associated with Lord Ram’s exile, he said the present government would be removed within 14 months or even 14 weeks, after which the DMK’s Rising Sun symbol would return to power.
The remarks have attracted attention because the DMK has traditionally identified itself with the rationalist and atheist principles associated with social reformer Periyar. The party has also been involved in controversies over the Ram Sethu project and statements by some of its leaders questioning the existence of Lord Ram. Leoni’s use of a religious epic to attack a political rival has added a new dimension to the debate.
Later, Stalin urged DMK cadres to prepare for the task of removing the TVK government. He accused the ruling party of failing on several fronts and alleged that the law-and-order situation had deteriorated, with crime on the rise. The DMK leader expressed confidence that his party would regain power, while Leoni’s remarks underscored the opposition’s attempt to challenge the new government politically.