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BJP deletes tweet on Periyar after widespread outrage
The State unit of the BJP came under severe criticism on Tuesday, after the party’s Twitter handle posted a controversial message on Periyar on his death anniversary and removed it immediately after politicians across the state condemned the party.
By
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migrator
Chennai
The BJP tweet had a rather malicious take on Periyar’s marriage with Maniammai and indirectly equated Periyar to a child abuser.
The tweet immediately received flak from not just the members of Opposition parties but also from alliance partners following which it was removed. DMK President MK Stalin, in a tweet, said, “Even after his death, Periyar continues to frighten. Let the fear of Periyar remain eternal.” He also questioned the rationale behind tweeting about Periyar and then deleting it. “BJP posts a derogatory tweet about Periyar and after facing opposition, removed it. BJP should have contemplated the reactions before tweeting,” said Stalin.
He further questioned whether the AIADMK will oppose the BJP for the tweet or will continue to remain silent and support the national party.
BJP faces backlash from both friends and rivals in state
Condemning the distasteful tweet on Periyar by the BJP state unit, politicians from various parties in the state on Tuesday, including the BJP alliance parties, condemned the saffron party for the tweet.
“People of Tamil Nadu continue to remain united and move along with a sense of brotherhood mainly due to leaders like Periyar, former chief ministers CN Annadurai, MG Ramachandran and M Karunanidhi. On behalf of Dravidar Iyakkam we will condemn those who try to shame them,” said Minister for Cooperation Sellur K Raju in Madurai, who also said that even if BJP, who is their ally, shame Periyar, Dravidian parties will condemn it.
PMK leader S Ramadoss also condemned the BJP. “The tweet made by Tamil Nadu BJP on Periyar on his death anniversary is disgusting. The tweet shows the skewed vision of the BJP and the act is severely condemnable.”
DMK MP Kanimozhi, in her tweet, said, “Periyar is not an individual. He worked for the rights of women and for the welfare of the society. Such thoughts are common from people who does not know what feminism and manners are.”
MDMK leader Vaiko, who paid tribute to Periyar on his death anniversary demanded an apology from the BJP. “BJP in its official Twitter handle has insulted Periyar and has spread lies. I never expected that the BJP will stoop so low in criticising Periyar. BJP should immediately remove the tweet and should tender an apology,” said Vaiko.
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