Why is Edappadi Palaniswami Supporting the TN Government on Keeladi Excavation Findings?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Edappadi K. Palaniswami supports Tamil Nadu's government stance on Keeladi findings.
- Keeladi excavations began during AIADMK's administration.
- Significant artefacts dated to 6th Century BCE were discovered.
- The AIADMK government funded the establishment of the Keeladi museum.
- Palaniswami emphasizes the need to uphold historical integrity amidst political discourse.
Chennai, July 30 (NationPress) AIADMK general secretary and former Chief Minister Edappadi K. Palaniswami expressed full support for the Tamil Nadu government in its stance against the Centre's dispute of the findings reported by former Tamil Nadu Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) director Amarnath Ramakrishna regarding the Keeladi excavations.
After visiting the Keeladi museum in Sivaganga district, Palaniswami highlighted that the archaeological work at Keeladi began during the tenure of the AIADMK.
“Numerous artefacts were discovered throughout various excavation phases under our administration. It was also the AIADMK government that provided funding and initiated the establishment of the museum at Keeladi,” he noted.
He reminisced about the 2018 laboratory tests conducted in Florida, USA, which verified that the artefacts traced back to the 6th Century BCE.
“As the AIADMK was not in power at that time, we lack details on the queries raised by the Centre towards Amarnath Ramakrishna. Nevertheless, we will uphold the Tamil Nadu government’s position on this issue,” Palaniswami emphasized.
Earlier that day, the AIADMK leader visited the family of B. Ajith Kumar, a youth reportedly deceased due to alleged custodial torture in Thiruppuvanam, Sivaganga district.
He consoled Ajith Kumar’s mother and brother, assuring them that the AIADMK would persist in seeking justice for the victim.
After his visit, Palaniswami stated that the police, who are supposed to protect citizens, were responsible for the youth's death.
“Only after public protests and actions from AIADMK members did the state government transfer the case to the CBI. The Madras High Court also took a serious stance when it reviewed a petition from an AIADMK lawyer calling for a thorough investigation,” he mentioned.
Palaniswami accused the current DMK regime of deteriorating law and order in Tamil Nadu and urged the government to take immediate actions to prevent such occurrences.