Chennai witnesses renewed political focus on the 1965 anti-Hindi agitation. This debate gains momentum from the Tamil film 'Parasakthi'. AIADMK now directs its student wing to hold public meetings across Tamil Nadu.
AIADMK's Statewide Plans for January 25
AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami issues clear instructions. He asks party MLAs, MPs, former lawmakers, and district secretaries to organize these meetings. The events will take place on January 25, observed as Tamil language martyrs' day.
AIADMK traditionally organizes events under the banner "Veera Vanakka Naal" every year. However, this year marks a significant shift. The party plans to organize events on a much more elaborate scale.
Reasons Behind the Grand Scale
Two main factors drive this expanded effort. The upcoming election certainly plays a role in making events grander. Yet another crucial reason exists. The renewed debate on anti-Hindi agitations provides strong motivation.
Some AIADMK functionaries express concern. They feel DMK currently derives political mileage from the anti-Hindi agitation. This perception fuels their response. Interestingly, several current AIADMK leaders actively participated in the movement decades ago. They were then part of the undivided DMK.
Specific District Activities
Party functionaries reveal detailed plans. They intend to hold street rallies in several districts. Trichy features prominently in these plans. In Trichy, participants will pay tribute to Chinnasamy. He set himself on fire on January 25, 1965. This tragic event occurred during the peak of the anti-Hindi movement.
Recalling Historical Leadership
AIADMK deputy general secretary Vaigaiselvan explains the party's approach. He states the party will use these programmes to recall the role of leaders who took part in the agitation. He makes a specific historical claim.
"Back then, DMK under our leader Annadurai, not M Karunanidhi, headed the anti-Hindi protests in Tamil Nadu," Vaigaiselvan asserts. He further elaborates on the leadership chain. "Earlier, it was led by leaders like Thalamuthu Natarajan. Then leadership passed to Navalur Nedunchezhiyan and Virudhunagar Srinivasan."
Political Context and BJP's Involvement
AIADMK's push follows recent political developments. BJP seeks to align itself with political messaging around the movie 'Parasakthi'. BJP leader K Annamalai makes a strong statement. He claims the film shows Congress party's 'betrayal' of Tamil Nadu.
Union information and broadcasting minister L Murugan takes concrete action. He hosts the film's crew at a Pongal celebration in New Delhi. Prime Minister Narendra Modi attends this event.
DMK's Current Position
Meanwhile, the DMK government maintains a different stance. It has not yet announced any official programme to mark January 25 this year. This absence of announcement creates a distinct political contrast.
The stage is set for significant political activity across Tamil Nadu. AIADMK prepares to make a strong statement about Tamil language and history. All eyes turn toward January 25 and the messages that will emerge from these statewide meetings.
