BJP slams DMK leader A Raja's 'independent Tamil Nadu' remark, calls it 'seditious'

Terming DMK Deputy General Secretary and Nilgiris MP A Raja's speech about the revival of the statehood demand as seditious, Tamil Nadu BJP today slammed the remarks of the former minister.

"What he said was that Tamil Nadu wants to be away from India. A Raja's speech was seditious... What he said, within the context of Indian constitution, is an offence. Without a doubt, it is an anti-national comment," NDTV quoted state BJP chief K Annamalai as saying.

Raja in a meeting on Sunday (July 3) had said that the Central Government should not push Tamil Nadu into making demands for statehood by reducing its autonomy.

Addressing a party meeting of representatives of urban local bodies, Raja had said that though Thanthai Periyar, the icon of the Dravidian movement, stood for an independent Tamil Nadu, the DMK moved away from it. But he asked Modi and Shah to not push them "on the path of Periyar" [independent Tamil Nadu].

"Prime Minister Narendra Modi says all states are to be seen the same, and Home Minister Amit Shah says if you want unity, learn Hindi. The party's founding father Periyar, until [his] death, demanded a 'thani nadu'. But we (DMK) kept aside that demand for our democracy and national integrity," Mr Raja reportedly said in presence of Chief Minister MK Stalin.

"I am telling Amit Shah and the Prime Minister with utmost humility, I implore you in the presence of (our) leaders on the dais, our Chief Minister is journeying on the path of Anna (C N Annadurai, former Chief Minister and DMK founder), do not push us on the path of Periyar. Do not make us seek a separate country, give state autonomy and we will not rest till then," PTI quoted Raja as saying.

The Bharatiya Janata Party had criticised Raja's comments.

Slamming Raja, BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla said in a tweet, "DMK MP A Raja in presence of CM Stalin, says Don't make us demand separate Tamil Nadu'. No outrage by Stalin Ji on this Tukde mindset. It is one thing to oppose a party at Centre but while doing so will you start opposing idea of One India itself?"

(with NDTV and PTI inputs)