Siddu Refuses To Accept 'Periyar Sceptre' From TN Group

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah refused to accept a 10-kg gold-plated 'sengol' (sceptre) with an idol of E.V. Ramasamy 'Periyar' engraved on it, from a delegation of a Tamil Nadu-based group Makkal Samugha Nidhi Pervai or People's Social Justice Council (PSJC), on Saturday.

The 30-member delegation from Madurai wanted to present the sengol to Siddaramaiah for being a "caretaker of social justice". He, however, agreed to accept in lieu a simple photo of Periyar, considered as the father of Dravidian movement, from the PSJC delegates.

Congress sources said the decision of not to accept the sengol was taken by the party itself. Prime Minister Narendra Modi installed a sengol in the new Parliament building last month because it holds historical importance as it was used to officially enact the transfer of power from the British to India on August 14, 1947.

Then Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru consulted Governor-General C. Rajapogalachari who recommended following the Tamil custom of presenting a sceptre to a new king upon ascending to power. Rajaji was given the task of developing the sceptre in the tradition during the Chola reign. PM Modi decided to adopt it as a national symbol of the ongoing 'Amrit Kaal' (renaissance period).

Explaining its significance in Tamil culture, PSJC leader Manoharan said it symbolises justice and righteousness. He sought to explain that the sengol they wanted to present to Siddaramaiah is different from the one installed in the new Parliament. While the sengol in Parliament has idols of Nandi and Lakshmi, this one features an idol of Periyar who fought against social disparities.

"The sengol installed by the Prime Minister has an image of Nandi, representing a specific class of people. It was turned into a Hindutva symbol. That sengol includes idols of Nandi and Lakshmi, symbols of Hinduism. In our sengol, we have chosen Periyar as a symbol of social justice. Therefore, it is appropriate to present this sengol, which does not represent any specific caste or religion but signifies justice and power, to Siddaramaiah," Manoharan claimed.

On why they wanted to give it to Siddaramaiah in particular, he said: "Because, after becoming Chief Minister, he promptly removed Savarkar chapters from textbooks. He also assured to repeal the cow slaughter Act and has expressed his intention to implement 75% reservation for backward classes. All these are positive steps for us, hence he deserve it."