Avoid pointless debates: Stalin advises DMK cadres over row on Kamaraj

DMK MP Tiruchi Siva’s remarks that late Congress stalwart would not sleep without an air conditioner had created a furore.

Chennai: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin on Thursday stepped in to douse a raging debate over DMK MP Tiruchi Siva’s remarks that late Congress stalwart K Kamaraj would not sleep without an air conditioner, asking his partymen to “avoid pointless debate” and not to allow intentions of “evil-minded people to cause trouble” to succeed. 

The remarks by Siva, a Rajya Sabha member, that Kamaraj also mended his ties with late DMK patriarch M Karunanidhi and urged him to “safeguard democracy” before the former  breathed his last in 1975, caused an unease in the DMK-Congress alliance with leaders and supporters of both parties clashing with each other both inside and outside social media platforms. 

Though Siva said his remarks should not be turned into a debate, Congress leaders went to the extent of blaming the DMK for spreading “canards” against Kamaraj with the BJP wading into the row by daring the national party to quit the alliance.

The AIADMK, PMK, Naam Tamizhar Katchi, and Tamilaga Vetri Kazhagam too condemned Siva’s remarks and asked the DMK not to “insult” a stalwart like Kamaraj, known for his governance as Chief Minister and for his simplicity. 

Congress leaders also said it was time that the party demanded a share in power with the DMK, drawing criticism from the regional party’s cadres on social media. 

Siva, at a meeting, had said that Karunanidhi had in 1975 as Chief Minister asked all travellers’ bungalows in Tamil Nadu to be fitted with air conditioners since Kamaraj, who was touring the state then, could not stay without an AC due to his failing health. He also added that Kamaraj, during his last days, held Karunanidhi’s hands and nudged him to “safeguard democracy.” 

As the issue made headlines, Stalin took to social media to ask his cadres not to give room to the intentions of evil-minded people who plan to stir trouble and revel in it.

“Periyar (Dravidian legend) was the one who praised the great leader Kamarajar as a 'true Tamilian.' Anna was the one who decided not to field a candidate against Kamaraj in the Gudiyatham by-election,” Stalin said. 

He added that when Kamaraj passed away, it was Karunanidhi who made every arrangement for his funeral, established a memorial for him and declared his birthday (July 15) as Education Development Day.

“Even in poor health, Kamaraj personally attended my wedding and blessed me, which I cherish. It isn't good to have controversial debates in public about such a great leader, a great Tamil. Any opinion shared about him should be in a manner that upholds his dignity… Let us avoid pointless debates,” Stalin added.