Despite being a key ally in the INDIA bloc, the DMK has once again shown zero regard for the legacy of Congress stalwarts. DMK MP Tiruchi Siva’s offensive remarks on former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and Congress icon K. Kamaraj have triggered massive outrage within the Congress. Ironically, Congress leaders who tried to protest were arrested by none other than the DMK-run police. BJP leader Annamalai slammed the Congress, saying the party has “no shame” left and should walk out of the alliance. His remarks echo a larger sentiment that Congress today is spineless in front of its stronger regional allies.
Tiruchi Siva’s Controversial Remark and Fallout
DMK Rajya Sabha MP Tiruchi Siva stirred controversy by claiming that Kamaraj “could not sleep without an air conditioner” and that in his final days, he clutched Karunanidhi’s hands urging him to “save democracy.” The comments, widely seen as a distortion of history, offended not just Congress workers but also many outside the party. In retaliation, over 30 Congress leaders, including Tamil Nadu deputy general secretary Saravanan, attempted to lay siege to Siva’s residence in Tiruchi. However, they were arrested by the local police, only to be released later showing the DMK’s authoritative response to dissent even from its alliance partners.
Opposition Unites Against DMK; Congress Leaders Push Back
Opposition leaders, including AIADMK’s Edappadi Palaniswami, BJP’s K. Annamalai, TVK leader Vijay, and NTK chief Seeman, harshly criticised the DMK for insulting a towering national leader like Kamaraj. Annamalai directly challenged Congress, saying, “Any self-respecting Congress worker would walk out of the alliance.” Meanwhile, Congress leaders K. Selvaperunthagai and Karur MP S. Jothimani came out strongly against Siva’s remarks. Jothimani reminded everyone of Kamaraj’s austere lifestyle, saying he had even slept under trees during election tours. Selvaperunthagai said no one had the right to question Kamaraj’s legacy. Congress’s Tiruchi Velusamy’s comments added fuel to the fire, stating that the party aimed to become part of the next Tamil Nadu government indicating political ambition over principle.
Stalin Steps in for Damage Control
As backlash mounted from all directions, Chief Minister M.K. Stalin was forced to intervene. In a carefully worded post on X, Stalin appealed to DMK cadres to refrain from “futile discussions” and “controversial public statements” about leaders like Kamaraj. Without directly condemning Tiruchi Siva, Stalin tried to calm tensions by urging everyone to maintain decorum when discussing past leaders. His message, however, was seen more as a political face-saving move than a genuine apology. The damage, many believe, had already been done, and the rift between the alliance partners was out in the open.
DMK’s History of Insulting Kamaraj and Congress Icons
This isn’t the first time the DMK has attempted to distort or belittle the legacy of Kamaraj. In the 1967 elections, Karunanidhi himself publicly mocked Kamaraj’s simplicity, even accusing him of playing politics with the poor. The DMK has often painted Congress-era leaders as feudal or disconnected, all while building a contradictory image of its own dynasty as champions of the people. The idea that Kamaraj sought Karunanidhi’s help to “save democracy” is completely at odds with the political reality of that time. Records clearly show that Kamaraj fought against DMK’s divisive politics till his last breath.
Indira Gandhi vs Kamaraj: A Battle for the Soul of Congress
Even within Congress, Kamaraj’s treatment has often been unkind. After playing a key role in bringing Indira Gandhi to power, Kamaraj was sidelined when she launched the “Indira Congress” faction in 1969. In the infamous 1967 elections, Kamaraj was defeated from his own turf in Virudhunagar by DMK. The Gandhis also saw Kamaraj as a challenge to their growing family dominance. That betrayal marked a permanent scar in Congress’s internal history a party that once thrived on collective leadership turned into a dynasty-driven structure where non-Gandhi leaders were marginalised or eliminated.
Congress’s Spineless Politics and Gandhi-Only Obsession
The current controversy exposes Congress’s ongoing weakness its failure to protect the dignity of its own legends. Kamaraj, the man who brought political stability to India post-Nehru, who made Indira Gandhi Prime Minister, who ensured Tamil Nadu had schools and mid-day meals is now insulted by an ally, and the Congress does nothing. Arresting its own workers to save face in an alliance shows how far the party has fallen. The truth is brutal Congress has no space for any leader outside the Gandhi family. The party today sacrifices legacy, dignity, and grassroots support just to cling to a few assembly seats in Tamil Nadu.
