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Chennai, October 9 (IANS) Union Minister Dr. L. Murugan has sharply criticized the Tamil Nadu government’s recent decision to remove caste-related names like “Colony” from roads, localities and public documents, calling it a “politically motivated exercise aimed at renaming everything after former Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi”.
In a strongly worded statement, Dr Murugan accused the DMK government of indulging in “cosmetic social justice” while ignoring deep-rooted caste atrocities in the state.
“How can those who still maintain colonies within their party and government claim to have removed caste names from public life?” he asked.
He alleged that the ruling DMK, facing public discontent and nearing the end of its tenure, was trying to divert attention through symbolic steps.
“The government, which claims to be carrying out revolutionary reforms like renaming student hostels as ‘Social Justice Hostels’ and removing the word ‘colony’ from the records, is only making hollow announcements. These are nothing but hollow publicity stunts,” he said.
Citing several incidents of caste-based violence and discrimination, Dr. Murugan pointed out that the government has failed to act decisively.
“Since 2021, Scheduled Caste communities have faced countless atrocities – killings, attacks and insults. What justice have they received?” he asked.
Referring to the 2022 incident in Pudukkottai district, where human waste was allegedly mixed in a drinking water tank in a Dalit area, he said, “The entire country was shocked, justice has not been given yet.”
He further alleged that untouchability and social discrimination continued in many parts of Tamil Nadu.
Accusing the “so-called Dravidian model” of perpetuating inequality, he said, “The double tumbler system, separate cremation grounds and denial of temple entry to Dalits remains a grim reality.” Murugan said the DMK government’s name change list revealed its “real intentions”.
“The names of Nayanmar and saints like Chidambaranar and Subramaniam Shiva who always spread Tamil and Bhakti movements.
Even the names of former chief ministers like Rajaji, MGR and Jayalalitha have been removed. Only Periyar, Anna and Karunanidhi matter,” he alleged.
He alleged that Chief Minister MK Stalin’s “hidden agenda” was to ensure that every public place in Tamil Nadu bore his father’s name.
“Since he knows the DMK will not return to power, Stalin is in a hurry to name the entire state after Karunanidhi,” Murugan said. “If this trend continues, Tamil Nadu may soon be renamed after him.”
The minister described the move as a “misleading political drama” and urged the state government to release a new and inclusive list of names that respects leaders from all communities and political backgrounds. “The people of Tamil Nadu will not accept this fraudulent name change campaign,” he warned.
–IANS
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