Chennai: AMMK general secretary T T V Dhinakaran, state BJP president Nainar Nagenthran and hus predecessor K Annamalai criticised VCK chief Thol Thirumavalavan for his remarks against ancient Tamil kings Chera, Chola, Pandya and Pallava, triggering a fresh political row.Speaking at the memorial event of Tamil journalist K Muthukumaran on Jan 29, Thirumavalavan said the Tamil monarchs were responsible for destruction of Tamil language and culture. He said their rule facilitated the spread of Sanskrit, Hindutva and Sanatana traditions. “I have no respect for kings, nor do I view them as great forces. This land was ruined during their period. Tamil was pushed out of temple sanctums as rulers were drawn to Brahminical rituals and yagams,” he said. Muthukumaran set himself on fire after the Eelam war that ended in 2009, demanding safety for Sri Lankan Tamils.
Taking strong exception, Dhinakaran on Saturday condemned the VCK leader’s comments and said Tamil kings, in fact, safeguarded Tamil culture, heritage and valour. He questioned whether Thirumavalavan would dare raise similar doubts about Tamil identity of leaders like former chief minister M Karunanidhi or current chief minister M K Stalin. He accused the VCK leader of making “derogatory remarks” to appease DMK. Nainar Nagenthran and Annamalai too criticised Thirumavalavan, joining the chorus against what they termed an “insult to Tamil civilisation”.
