Fri Jun 20 16:02:56 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a summary and a news article based on the provided text:

**Summary:**

A political dispute has erupted in Tamil Nadu, India, concerning the Keeladi archaeological excavations. The AIADMK (All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam), formerly in power, is defending its role in initiating and funding the Keeladi project, claiming significant contributions and accusing the current ruling DMK (Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam) of attempting to take credit for their work. The AIADMK points to increased funding for archaeology during its tenure and the establishment of a site museum at Adichanallur. The DMK, however, refutes the AIADMK’s claims, alleging inadequate funding and that the excavations only started based on a Supreme Court verdict. The dispute centers on the legacy and political capital associated with the Keeladi findings and its cultural significance.
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**News Article:**

**Tamil Nadu’s Archaeological Finds Spark Political Battle Over Credit**

**CHENNAI – June 20, 2025** – A heated debate has ignited in Tamil Nadu’s political arena over who deserves credit for the groundbreaking archaeological discoveries at Keeladi. The AIADMK party, which previously held power in the state, is vehemently defending its role in initiating and supporting the Keeladi excavations, accusing the current ruling DMK party of attempting to capitalize on their efforts.

K. Pandiarajan, AIADMK deputy propaganda secretary and former Minister for Tamil Language and Culture and Archaeology, addressed the media on Friday, highlighting the AIADMK government’s record on archaeological preservation. He emphasized a significant increase in funding for the Tamil Nadu State Department of Archaeology (TNSDA) during the AIADMK’s time in office, rising from an average of ₹2 crore annually to ₹105 crore, including central government contributions. Pandiarajan also pointed to the party’s role in securing funding for a site museum at Adichanallur in Thoothukudi district, costing ₹17 crore. He explained that when the ASI intended to halt the excavation, Chief Minister Jayalalithaa stepped in to continue the project.

“The DMK government wants to take credit for all the work done by the AIADMK government. This is the height of the culture of sticking posters on what the previous government had achieved,” said Pandiarajan.

The DMK has refuted these claims. DMK MLA N. Ezhilan stated on Thursday that the AIADMK government allocated meager funds to the initial excavations after the Supreme Court verdict. He dismissed the AIADMK’s claim of ₹105 crore as a “blatant lie”. He claimed that funds were allocated only for two excavations: ₹5 lakh for Pattaraiperumpudur in Tiruvallur district and ₹55 lakh for Keeladi.

The Keeladi site, yielding artifacts that offer insights into ancient Tamil civilization, has become a focal point of political maneuvering. The discoveries have fueled debates about the region’s history and cultural identity, and both parties are vying for ownership of the narrative. The AIADMK is calling for clarification from Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) official Amarnath Ramakrishna of the reports submitted by the State government when the AIADMK was in power, stressing that the excavation history has become political.

The controversy underscores the powerful symbolism and historical significance that archaeological finds can hold, particularly in a region with a rich cultural heritage like Tamil Nadu.

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