While BJP leaders rejoice over the “successful” conduct of the Muruga Bhaktargal (Lord Muruga devotees) conference in Madurai on Sunday (June 22, 2025), an audio-visual presentation of the history of the Hindu Munnani played at the gathering, reportedly depicting Dravidian stalwarts Periyar E.V. Ramsamy, C.N. Annadurai, and M. Karunanidhi in poor light, has sparked a controversy.
On Monday (Jue 23, 2025), AIADMK leader K.T. Rajenthra Bhalaji, who had attended the conference with other senior party colleagues, expressed regret over the playing of the video clip at the event. “It should have been avoided,” the former AIADMK Minister said.
A still from the video clipping played at the Muruga Bhaktargal conference in Madurai | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
Mr. Bhalaji said former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and DMK founder Annadurai (whose name and image are embodied in the AIADMK and its flag) had numerous achievements to his credit. “He is the most important among the leaders who brought downtrodden people to political power. Rickshaw pullers and loadmen could become MLAs and Ministers only because of him. Some might not like the ideologies of Periyar [Dravidar Kazhagam founder], but many others might like them. Similarly, Anna’s writings and speeches could have hurt the sentiments of few. This video clipping might be a reflection of that,” he reasoned.
