Fri Feb 06 06:54:53 UTC 2026: ### Purge of Anti-Hindi Agitation Records by Congress CM Haunts Tamil Nadu Decades Later

The Story: In February 1967, just before his party’s electoral defeat, then-Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, M. Bhaktavatsalam of the Congress party, ordered the destruction of records related to the anti-Hindi imposition agitations. This act, intended to bury potentially damaging information, sparked immediate controversy when the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), led by C.N. Annadurai, swept into power. Annadurai demanded an explanation, leading to bureaucratic finger-pointing and ultimately, no accountability for the destruction. In December 2025, Chief Minister M. K. Stalin released a digitized collection of documents related to the anti-Hindi movement, highlighting the importance of preserving historical records. This act brings renewed focus to the events of 1967 and the attempt to erase a crucial part of Tamil Nadu’s history.

Key Points:

  • M. Bhaktavatsalam, the Congress Chief Minister, ordered the destruction of records related to the anti-Hindi agitations in February 1967.
  • The records included details of the detention of prominent DMK leaders like M. Karunanidhi, and other activists.
  • C.N. Annadurai, after becoming Chief Minister, questioned the destruction of the records but found no legal recourse.
  • The destruction led to debates in the Assembly regarding the power of Ministers to destroy files.
  • In December 2025, a comprehensive inventory of digitized documents tracing the anti-Hindi agitation was released by Chief Minister M. K. Stalin, making these records accessible to researchers and the public.
  • The digitized records consist of 649 records, totaling 20,875 pages, including government orders and Legislative Assembly/Council debates from 1927 to 1969.

Key Takeaways:

  • The destruction of records represents an attempt to suppress a significant chapter in Tamil Nadu’s political history.
  • The incident highlights the tension between political expediency and historical transparency.
  • The release of the digitized documents underscores the importance of preserving historical records for future generations.
  • The anti-Hindi agitations were a pivotal moment that reshaped Tamil Nadu’s political landscape.
  • The incident serves as a reminder of the potential for abuse of power in the handling of official records.

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