Seeman's Critique of Periyar: Unpacking the Controversy

Chennai, January 12 (NationPress) The actor-turned-politician and founder of Naam Tamilar Katchi (NTK), Seeman, has ramped up his criticism towards the legendary Dravidian leader, E.V.S. Ramasamy Naicker, commonly referred to as Periyar, during a press interaction on Sunday.

Seeman expressed skepticism regarding Periyar's role in the social revolution, juxtaposing it with the influences of Tamil Nadu’s reformers and saints such as Vallalar and Vaikundar.

His inflammatory comments about Periyar, made at a gathering in Vadalur in the Cuddalore district, sparked significant protests. He accused Periyar of promoting incestuous relationships and made several other contentious statements. Furthermore, he challenged Periyar’s supposed critiques of the Tamil language and questioned the validity of labeling him a rationalist.

In response to these remarks, Seeman has been charged under Sections 192 (intent to incite a riot) and 353/2 (providing false information) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Samhita (BNS), following complaints lodged by members of the Dravida Kazhagam (DK), an organization established by Periyar.

Seeman further asserted that Periyar lacked a substantial link to the cause of social justice.

This assertion incited outrage, leading to protesters burning effigies of the NTK leader.

President of DK, Veeramani, condemned Seeman’s statements, asserting: "To question Periyar’s rationalism, one must first reflect on their own rationality."

K. Ramakrishnan, General Secretary of Thanthai Periyar Dravida Kazhagam (TPDK), attempted to march to Seeman’s residence alongside his supporters, demanding proof of the claims made. However, police intervened to halt the procession.

Leaders from various political factions, including DMK ministers Duraimurugan and Sekar Babu, VCK President Thol Thirumavalavan, and state Congress President K. Selvaperunthagai, criticized Seeman’s remarks.

Conversely, state BJP President K. Annamalai expressed support for Seeman, claiming: "I can provide evidence from books where Periyar made such statements. However, I believe such discussions should be held discreetly to avoid offending women and children." He also claimed that numerous controversial works by Periyar have been lost over the years.

Meanwhile, BJP ally and PMK President Anbumani Ramadoss robustly defended Periyar. While not directly addressing Seeman's comments, he stated: "Disparaging Periyar is intolerable. If Mahatma Gandhi is revered as the hero of India’s independence movement, then Periyar is the champion of Tamil Nadu’s social freedom struggle."

Ramadoss emphasized Periyar’s influence in advocating for the increase of reservations to 31 percent, characterizing it as a crucial contribution to social justice.

"While everyone is entitled to express their views on Periyar’s ideology, unfounded slander is unacceptable," he remarked.

To date, over 60 legal cases have been initiated against Seeman across Tamil Nadu, notably in districts such as Cuddalore, Madurai, Coimbatore, Dindigul, and Tirunelveli due to his remarks.

Despite the backlash, Seeman remains resolute, asserting that LTTE leader V. Prabhakaran was the only leader who genuinely championed women's rights. He also challenged political parties to mobilize votes using Periyar’s name, claiming his own success in securing 32 lakh votes in the last Assembly elections stemmed from invoking Prabhakaran’s legacy.

The situation continues to escalate, with protests and legal repercussions becoming central themes in the political discourse of Tamil Nadu.