DMK chief's remark snowballs into controversy

Madurai, Apr 29 (UNI) A political statement with poetic imagery made by DMK President M Karunanidhi in the volatile region of Usilampatti during election campaign has snowballed into a raging controversy.

'When ''Panthers'' can roam around, why not ''Lions''?' the DMK patriarch asked, fueling passions.

The reference to 'panthers' was apparently to the Dalit Panthers of India (DPI), an AIADMK ally, while the 'lions' were the Forward Bloc (FB), whose candidates were allegedly being arm-twisted by the AIADMK to withdraw from the electoral fray.

The ''Lion'' is the election symbol of the FB.

The FB, with a base among the dominant Thevar community in a few pockets of south Tamil Nadu, is contesting on its own in the Assembly poll. At both Usilampatti and Andipatti, Mr Karunanidhi accused the ruling AIADMK and police of intimidating FB candidates.

Later, he reportedly have clarified that he only spoke of animals in the wild, inviting a furious reaction.

MDMK General Secretary Vaiko, the first to react, dubbed it ''words dipped in poison, intended to incite caste violence so as to reap electoral benefit.'' The MDMK has also approached the EC, seeking action against Mr Karunanidhi for violating the election code.

DPI General Secretary Thol. Thirumavalavan said that besides lowering his dignity as a senior leader, the DMK chief had exposed his deep rooted 'aversion' for the DPI. Demanding an apology, the Dalit leader said the party would resort to an agitation if it was not forthcoming.

Condemning Mr Karunanidhi, People's Liberation Party founder S K Murugavel Rajan, described it as 'political barbarism' aimed at disrupting peace and harmony. The previous Karunanidhi regime was a mute spectator to the massacre of seven dalits, allegedly by caste Hindus at Melavalau, including the President-elect of the panchayat, a cardholder of the DMK.

According to CPI(ML) District Secretary T Pandian, the context and place where the statement was made should not be missed.

Usilampatti region, notorious for caste oppression, had in its vicinity the three reserved panchayats - Pappapatti, Keeripatti and Nattarmangalam - where neither civic polls could be held nor Dalits assume elected office, he said.

Annoyed at the DPI joining the AIADMK front, the DMK president was peeved at the FB being stopped from cutting into the traditional Thevar votebank of the AIADMK and so the 'outburst,' he argued.

Though the intention was to put the AIADMK in the dock, it has boomeranged on him, he added.

Not to lag behind, the Saivite Mutt head, Sri Madurai Adheenam, perceived to be close to the ruling AIADMK, too joined the chorus asking the DMK chief to take back his statement. He took exception to Mr Karunanidhi likening certain castes to wild animals.

To register their protest, a few youth of Agamudayar community, a sub-caste of Thevars, and Dalit youngsters attempted to stage a demonstration and a token fast here, but were arrested yesterday.

A few more Thevar outfits and local DPI units have planned to stage protests in the city.

Meanwhile, a city court admitted a case against Mr Karunanidhi, accusing him of instigating enmity and violence between Dalits and caste Hindus. According to the petitioner, the DMK chief attracted provisions of the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989.

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