(Left) DMK MP Dayanidhi Maran )(Right) Tamil Nadu BJP President K Annamalai
Tamil Nadu Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) President K Annamalai strong rebuke against DMK MP Dayanidhi Maran signifies the escalating tensions between political factions in Tamil Nadu, particularly in the aftermath of controversial statements that have reignited discussions around regional and linguistic sentiments. As the political landscape continues to be marked by verbal sparring, the repercussions of such remarks may echo in the forthcoming political discourse.
During an event on January 31, 2023, where Maran was distributing relief measures for those affected by the Michuang cyclone in his constituency, a reporter questioned him about the trending videos of DMK leaders. In response, Maran commented, “There is a saying – Jobless barbers catch hold of cats to shave their furs. Likewise, they want to create some ruckus, particularly among the national BJP IT wing. They want to make the issue national level for political mileage, which will not materialise.”
Maran’s reference to the BJP IT wing allegedly spreading his old videos ignited not only the BJP’s ire but also drew criticism from leaders of other I.N.D.I Alliance parties, including the RJD and Janata Dal (United). BJP demanded clarity from I.N.D.I Alliance convener Nitish Kumar and from the Congress party regarding Maran’s comments portraying North Indians in a poor light.
Addressing the issue, Annamalai expressed his disdain for Maran’s derogatory remarks, stating, “Degrading someone by profession or language seems to be the only thing DMK MP Thiru Dayanidhi Maran excels in. Instead of apologising, Thiru Dayanidhi Maran calls those spreading and reacting to his rants on our North Indian Brothers and Sisters the work of a ‘Jobless Barber’.”
Annamalai went on to criticise Maran for consistently resorting to demeaning language, emphasising that despite electoral defeats, the resolve of I.N.D.I Alliance leaders remain unshaken. He urged Maran to offer an apology for his comments that have sparked controversy and displeasure among various political circles.
The video in question features Maran making derogatory remarks about people from Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, stating they are only fit for cleaning toilets. This resurfaced footage has not only drawn condemnation from the BJP but also prompted discontent from leaders within the INDI Alliance, of which DMK is a part.
Amit Malviya, the National Information & Technology Department Incharge for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), criticised DMK MP Dayanidhi Maran for his recent “jobless barbers” comment, accusing him of demeaning the Vishwakarma community, primarily comprising Other Backward Classes (OBCs). Malviya highlighted Prime Minister Modi’s efforts to empower the Vishwakarma community, contrasting it with Maran’s derogatory remarks. Malviya stated, “After vowing to annihilate Sanatan Dharma, I.N.D.I Alliance leaders are now insulting the OBCs.”
Malviya questioned the silence of leaders like Mamata Banerjee, who has denied OBCs their rights, and called out Nitish Kumar and Rahul Gandhi, self-appointed champions of OBC politics, urging them to condemn Maran’s remarks. He concluded with a strong rebuke, saying, “shame on them.”
This is not the first instance of Dayanidhi Maran stirring controversy with his statements. In 2020, during a visit to the Tamil Nadu Chief Secretary’s office amid the COVID19 pandemic, Maran made casteist remarks, expressing dissatisfaction with the treatment he received, stating, “They are treating us like ‘third-grade citizens’! Are we part of the depressed class?”
During the 2021 Tamil Nadu State Assembly Elections campaign, Maran drew criticism for making distasteful remarks about AIADMK leader Rajenthira Balaji, equating “Modi as daddy” and the late AIADMK supremo as their “Amma.” He commented, “Minister Rajenthira Balaji says Jayalalithaa is their ‘Amma’ (mother) and Modi is their ‘daddy.’ Look at the kind of relationship they have. If we say this, they will say it is wrong.”
In response to the BJP’s criticism, the DMK’s Information Technology (IT) wing circulated an old video of former BJP MP Tarun Vijay, where he referred to people in South India as “blacks.” The DMK argued that Vijay’s comments were an insult to South Indians. The exchange highlights the ongoing verbal sparring between political factions in Tamil Nadu, with leaders from different parties engaging in accusations and counter-accusations.
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