Former Tamil Nadu CM MG Ramachandran's statue desecrated in Puducherry

In a shocking development, a statue of All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) founder M G Ramachandran (MGR) in Puducherry was desecrated on Thursday by draping a saffron shawl around his shoulders. Visuals show several protestors staging a dharna near statue. Several top AIADMK leaders and police personnel are reportedly on spot.

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MGR statue desecrated

Sources report that AIADMK MLA in area will meet DGP tomorrow regarding issue. Furrmore, communal tension has risen in area of 'saffronisation' of former Chief Minister. MGR- Tamil superstar-turned-politician, was kwn for his socialist ideas and was t particularly a 'pro-Hindu' person.

Periyar statue defaced in Tamil Nadu, MP Kanimozhi questions AIADMK on inaction

Periyar statue desecrated

Previously, on Friday, a  life-size statue of social reformer E.V. Ramasamy (Periyar) was found daubed with saffron paint at Sundarapuram area. This defacement led to protests by workers of DMK, MDMK, and VCK at spot. workers, who cleaned statue, demanded arrest of culprits and warned that y would intensify ir agitation if such incidents recur. statue was one of three of social reformer installed in city in 1995. 

DMK MP Kanimozhi condemned defacement tweeting, "Decades after his demise, Periyar is still one who sets narrative. He is t a mere statue but path to self-respect and social justice including those who smear him with colours". She added while it's completely unreasonable that AIADMK is doing this, she is t surprised as party maintains abject silence on issue.

Previously in January, tensions were high in Kanchipuram's Kaliyapettai as face and hands of a Periyar statue were damd. Moreover, Periyar has been in controversy after superstar Rajnikanth stirred a controversy claiming that Periyar conducted a rally where naked picture of Lord Rama and Sita were decorated with garlands tied with slippers. Taking offence to his comments, pro-Tamil group Dravidar Viduthalai Kazhagam (DVK) filed a complaint against superstar, but Rajnikanth refused to apologize.

Saffron paint daubed on Periyar's statue; parties protest

Who is Periyar?

EV Ramasamy, more fondly remembered as Periyar was a social reformer, activist and politician. He is regarded widely in Tamil Nadu and Kerala as Far of Dravidian Movement and is largely credited to have pioneered 'Self-Respect Movement'. He was table for raising his voice against Brahmanical dominance and dispelling myths about and caste-based inequality in South India, where he is revered by large sections of people.

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