DMK Minister's Remark on Lord Ram's Existence Ignites Political Row

DMK minister SS Sivasankar sparks controversy by claiming no historical evidence of Lord Ram's existence, drawing sharp criticism from BJP's K Annamalai.

A fresh controversy has erupted in Tamil Nadu's political landscape after state transport minister SS Sivasankar, from the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), claimed there is "no historical evidence to prove Lord Ram's existence." The statement, made during an event commemorating Chola emperor Rajendra Chola's birth anniversary, has drawn sharp criticism from the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

Sivasankar, contrasting the historical records of Rajendra Chola with the lack of evidence for Lord Ram, suggested that the belief in Ram as an avatar was a manipulation to "hide our history and present another history as superior." He emphasized the tangible evidence of Rajendra Chola's reign, including ponds, temples, and artifacts.

The BJP swiftly responded, with Tamil Nadu BJP chief K Annamalai taking to social media to criticize the DMK's stance. Annamalai pointed out the apparent contradiction within the DMK, noting that just a week earlier, DMK's Law Minister Raghupathy had praised Lord Ram as a champion of social justice and secularism.

Annamalai accused the DMK of having a "sudden obsession" with Lord Ram and questioned the party's understanding of Tamil Nadu's history. He sarcastically suggested that DMK ministers Raghupathy and Sivasankar should debate and reach a consensus on Lord Ram.

This incident adds to the ongoing tension between the DMK and BJP over religious and cultural issues in Tamil Nadu. It follows recent controversies, including DMK leader Udhayanidhi Stalin's remarks on Sanatana Dharma, which were criticized by the Supreme Court.

Also Read: Peace Shattered in Manipur's Jiribam as Violence Resumes

As the debate intensifies, it highlights the complex interplay between politics, religion, and historical interpretation in Tamil Nadu's public discourse. The controversy is likely to further strain relations between the ruling DMK and the opposition BJP in the state.