Controversy Erupts Over Tamil Nadu Minister's Statements on Lord Ram and Rajendra Chola

Tamil Nadu Transport Minister SS Sivasankar sparked controversy with remarks on Lord Ram's existence, urging celebrations for Rajendra Chola instead. RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav advised against making such statements, while Tamil Nadu BJP president K Annamalai criticized DMK's focus on Lord Ram.

Days after Tamil Nadu Transport Minister and DMK leader SS Sivasankar ignited controversy with a statement about Lord Ram, RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav responded, emphasizing that people should refrain from making such comments. Speaking to reporters, Sivasankar stated, "This is not an issue. We have nothing to do with who makes what statement in their personal capacity. It is a matter of our own faith. The debates that break out over religion are internal matters for everyone. People should avoid making such statements. Although I have not heard what he has said, if any statement hurts someone, it should not be said."

Earlier on August 3, Sivasankar had claimed there was no historical evidence to prove Lord Ram's existence. Speaking at the birth anniversary event of Chola Emperor Rajendra Chola in Ariyalur, he urged for the celebration of the great ruler's contributions, warning that otherwise, people may turn to celebrating something lacking historical evidence. "To show that Rajendra Chola lives on, there are ponds constructed by him, temples built by him, and his name is mentioned in scripts, sculptures, and other artefacts. We have history and evidence for it, but there is no evidence or historical record of Lord Ram's existence," he emphasized. He added, "It is being done to manipulate us, hide our history, and present another history as superior." The anniversary event was attended by the Ariyalur district administration, Tamil Nadu Tourism Department, and government officials including Sivasankar and District Collector Rathnaswamy.

Reacting to Sivasankar's remarks, Tamil Nadu BJP president K Annamalai questioned DMK's sudden focus on Bhagwan Shri Ram. "DMK's sudden obsession with Bhagwan Shri Ram is truly a sight to behold — who would've thought? Just last week, DMK's Law Minister Thiru Raghupathy declared that Bhagwan Shri Ram was the ultimate champion of social justice, the pioneer of secularism, and the one who proclaimed equality for all," Annamalai stated in a post on X.

Previously, DMK faced significant backlash when Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin made controversial comments about Sanatana Dharma in a speech.

(With inputs from agencies.)