Erode (East) bypoll 2025 | ”No one has demeaned Periyar as much as the DMK”, says Seeman

Seeman criticizes DMK for demeaning Periyar, questions their commitment to his ideology and addresses social issues.

Naam Tamilar Katchi (NTK) chief coordinator Seeman on Thursday said that no one has demeaned Periyar as much as the DMK.

Responding to DMK MP Kanimozhi’s remark that the current political climate demands opposing those who demean Periyar, Mr. Seeman said, “She was referring to her father, M. Karunanidhi, and DMK founder, C.N. Annadurai, as such individuals.” He added, “I did not demean Periyar—I merely quoted his words and writings.” The leader stated that everyone, including Ms. Kanimozhi, talks about Periyar. “But those who speak about Periyar do not have the courage to discuss what he actually said and wrote,” he remarked.

Mr. Seeman questioned whether anyone in the State had criticised Periyar more than Perarignar Anna and Karunanidhi. “Where did Periyar abolish caste?”, he asked. He asserted that those who claim to uphold Periyar’s ideology should be asked why women are not safe, citing incidents such as the Anna University assault case and the harassment of women in a car on East Coast Road.

He also questioned why no action was taken in the Pollachi gang rape case and the Kodanad heist and murder case despite assurances. “What action did Ms. Kanimozhi, who has been elected as an MP twice, take based on the Aruna Jagadeesan report on the Thoothukudi Sterlite firing?” he asked.

Without naming anyone, he said that during the Dravidian movement’s transition, a Brahmin woman held a leadership position, and Dravidian leaders bowed at her feet to receive positions. “What Periyarists could not achieve, a Brahmin woman did,” he added.

The leader visited the Perumalmalai area in the constituency, where 200 families have been demanding house site pattas for many years. He condemned the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department for demanding rent from these families, claiming that they were residing on temple land.