AIADMK under fire after anti-Dravidian video played at Lord Muruga event in Madurai

In Madurai on June 23, a Hindu Munnani–organized “Lord Muruga” conference endorsed by the BJP and attended by senior AIADMK leaders became controversial after an audio-visual presentation criticized revered Dravidian icons Periyar EV Ramasamy and former chief minister CN Annadurai.

The video reportedly labelled Periyar an “atheist jackal” and argued that Dravidian ideology was undermining Hindu society.

AIADMK leaders—including RB Udhayakumar, Sellur K Raju, Kadambur C Raju, VV Rajan Chellappa, and KT Rajenthra Bhalaji—were present on stage when the footage was screened.

Though no one spoke up at the time, the inaction triggered immediate backlash, with DMK spokesperson Syed Hafezullah condemning the silence as “mortgaging itself to the BJP” and “turning a spiritual gathering into a political stunt."

AIADMK has since distanced itself from the message. Party spokesperson Kovai Sathyan said the video “should not have been played” and urged that such missteps be avoided in future to prevent giving rivals ammunition.

Bhalaji, acknowledging the mistake, told reporters it was “unnecessary” and said it “wouldn’t have been polite” to object on stage.

The event, aimed at strengthening BJP’s foothold in Tamil Nadu, also included Andhra Pradesh Deputy CM Pawan Kalyan and Bharat-Rajya governors, drawing large crowds.

Critics argue the episode exposed an ideological compromise by AIADMK. DMK’s RS Bharathi accused the party of having “replaced Anna with Amit Shah in your hearts,” questioning its loyalty to Dravidian ideals.

AIADMK officials later clarified they attended in a personal capacity as devotees and did not endorse the video or any political resolution from the event.

The controversy has sparked debate about the delicate balance between religious symbolism and political messaging in Tamil Nadu, especially as elections draw closer and alliances shift.