Thu Feb 06 00:15:00 IST 2025: ## Periyar’s Legacy Under Attack in Tamil Nadu’s Political Arena

**Chennai, February 6, 2025** – The legacy of E.V. Ramasamy, known as Periyar, a prominent social reformer and founder of the Dravidar Kazhagam, is once again at the center of Tamil Nadu’s political discourse. Decades after his death, Periyar’s influence remains potent, with even prominent figures like actor C. Joseph Vijay citing him as an inspiration. However, a recent surge in criticism from Tamil nationalist parties, notably Naam Tamilar Katchi (NTK) led by Seeman, is challenging this legacy.

Seeman, whose party garnered over 8% of the vote in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, has launched a targeted attack on Periyar, selectively highlighting his past comments critical of Tamil language and culture to portray him as “anti-Tamil.” This campaign aims to undermine the Dravidian movement, which Tamil nationalists view as responsible for the “evils” plaguing Tamil society. They reject the term “Dravida” to describe the people of South India and actively criticize Periyar’s assertion that Tamil is a “barbaric language.”

This criticism surpasses even that from Brahmins, who were marginalized by the rise of the Dravidian movement. While some acknowledge Periyar’s evolving views and commitment to social reform, the Tamil nationalists argue that the Dravidian movement has failed to prioritize Tamil interests, allowing non-Tamils to dominate political and public life. This argument hinges on the increasing prominence of identity politics in India.

The ongoing debate highlights the complex and evolving relationship between Periyar’s legacy, the Dravidian movement, and the rise of Tamil nationalism in Tamil Nadu. The impact of this “Periyar versus Tamil nationalism” conflict on the upcoming Erode (East) bypoll in 2025 remains to be seen. The future will reveal whether this targeted campaign against Periyar will resonate with the electorate or be dismissed as a divisive political tactic.

Read More