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A Raja raises secession spectre, seeks autonomy for Tamil Nadu

The remarks from A Raja came at an event held for the DMK’s local body representatives in Namakkal in Tamil Nadu as CM Stalin watched on.

Umar Sharieef

Published Jul 04, 2022 | 5:48 PM ⚊ Updated Jul 23, 2022 | 11:54 AM

DMK MP A Raja. (Twitter/A Raja's official handle)

DMK MP A Raja. (Twitter/A Raja's official handle)

Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) Lok Sabha member A Raja, on Sunday, 3 July, stirred up a controversy by raising a secessionist threat.

Sharing the stage with Chief Minister MK Stalin, Raja warned the BJP-led Central government not to “force the DMK to push for the demand for a separate Tamil Nadu”.

Raja’s statements came during his speech at an event held for the DMK’s local body representatives in Namakkal in Tamil Nadu.

Addressing the gathering, Raja said the party would continue its fight until Tamil Nadu achieved state autonomy.

A Raja targets Central government

“The demand for a separate Tamil Nadu by us has been kept aside for national integrity and in the spirit of democracy, even though we are followers of Periyar,” Raja said at the event.

He also admonished the Central government for enjoying great powers and making the state powerless.

The statement from Raja elicited backlash from political leaders, particularly from the BJP.

“It is one thing to oppose a party at the Centre, but while doing so, will you start fighting the idea of One India itself?” tweeted BJP national spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla.

DMK responds to criticism

Lawyer and DMK spokesperson Kannadasan told South First that what Raja said reflected the mood of DMK members.

He said this was the last step the state would consider if the Centre continued to take away its powers.

Asked what the party’s response is to the criticism from Opposition leaders, including BJP leaders at the Centre, Kannadasan said the Central government, functioning against the interests of non-BJP ruled states, deserves this.

He added that the state has the right to demand separation, and even the Constitution permits it.

Raja’s statement also comes at a time when the states like Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Andhra Pradesh have repeatedly sought greater autonomy on various issues.

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