CHENNAI: Tamil Nadu’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has sharply criticised DMK MP A Raja for his comments on Brahmins and the Aryan-Dravidian racial theory, reigniting debate over caste and identity politics in the state. BJP spokesperson ANS Prasad responded to Raja’s recent statements by questioning his standing within the DMK and condemning what he termed “racial politics” perpetuated by the Dravidian party.
The BJP’s statement follows a recent exchange between Raja and actress Kasturi. Kasturi, during a protest demanding legal protections against hate speech directed at Brahmins, stated that the DMK lacks the authority to deem Brahmins as “non-Tamil.” She suggested that such views reflect outdated theories, such as the Aryan-Dravidian divide, which the BJP claims have been discredited, even by Dr BR Ambedkar. In response, Raja reiterated the long-held DMK narrative, claiming that Aryans arrived in India around 3000 BC, introducing the Manusmriti and the caste hierarchy.
Prasad countered this narrative, asserting that the Aryan-Dravidian theory was fabricated by colonial missionaries like Robert Caldwell to foster divisions among Hindus and aid in conversions. He added that Dr. Ambedkar himself dismissed the theory, and accused Raja of using this divisive rhetoric to sustain political tension. “While caste divisions do exist within Hindu society, efforts to bridge these distinctions have been ongoing, led by figures like Sri Ramanuja and the RSS, which has tirelessly worked to eliminate caste-based discrimination,” Prasad stated.
He argued that the DMK and other Dravidian parties leverage caste divisions for political gain, securing votes from certain Hindu communities while treating Hindus as “second-class citizens.” Prasad claimed that the persistence of caste distinctions is due to the political strategies of these parties, not Hindu doctrine itself.
The BJP spokesperson also criticised the treatment of Brahmins in Tamil Nadu, citing instances of social media attacks and the use of terms like “Parppan,” which many Brahmins find derogatory. He highlighted the lack of action by Tamil Nadu’s police in response to complaints about hate speech targeting Brahmins, suggesting a political bias. “In Tamil Nadu, no action is taken even when complaints are filed about such incidents, which has forced Brahmins to protest and demand legal protections,” he noted.
Prasad’s statement pointed out that DMK’s alleged racial politics serve as a diversion from issues such as inflation, high electricity rates, and property taxes, which have reportedly caused discontent among Tamil Nadu’s citizens. “For over three years, the people of Tamil Nadu have been disillusioned with the DMK government. Corruption is rampant, and rising costs have impacted small and medium industries. To divert attention, the DMK returns to ‘racial politics,’ as evidenced by A. Raja’s recent comments,” he added.
The BJP also questioned Raja’s position in the DMK hierarchy. “If the DMK genuinely believes in equality, can A. Raja, despite his experience, aspire to the DMK’s top leadership? Why was he made to contest from Nilgiris, a reserved constituency, instead of an unreserved one? Does this reveal an unspoken ‘untouchability’ within the DMK?” Prasad asked, casting doubt on the party’s commitment to its claimed egalitarian principles.
Prasad further criticised the DMK’s succession practices, referencing the recent appointment of Udhayanidhi Stalin, the son of Chief Minister MK Stalin, as a third-generation leader within the party. He questioned why the DMK, which advocates for “equality and equity,” has not considered a Dalit leader for the position of Deputy Chief Minister. “The DMK should reflect on whether its leadership selection, rooted in family lineage, does not resemble a modern ‘Dravidian Manusmriti,’” he added.
Meanwhile, actress Kasturi issued an apology to the Telugu community following backlash over her comments on DMK’s supposed Telugu origins. Her remarks have fueled a public debate on the DMK leadership’s ancestry, with critics claiming that the Stalin family has concealed its Telugu roots. Speculation over M.K. Stalin’s ancestry was further fueled when villagers in Cheruvukommupalem, Andhra Pradesh, reportedly celebrated his 2021 election victory with fireworks and festivities. This, critics argue, suggests a cultural link between the DMK leaders and the Telugu community of Prakasam district.
While Kasturi’s comments were directed at DMK leadership, critics note that DMK members filed complaints against her, resulting in an FIR. BJP supporters argue this represents selective action, highlighting that the police have not acted similarly on complaints filed against DMK leaders like A. Raja and Thirumavalavan, who are known for their anti-Brahmin rhetoric. Critics ask why the DMK would react so strongly to these assertions, suggesting that the party fears exposure of its Telugu origins, which they claim are at odds with its pro-Tamil identity.
The DMK has not yet responded directly to the BJP’s allegations, although leaders within the party have previously defended their emphasis on Dravidian identity as central to Tamil Nadu’s distinct cultural and social heritage. However, with the BJP’s recent focus on issues of caste and identity in Tamil Nadu, observers expect the debate to intensify as both parties continue to compete for influence in the state.
