A Periyarist who planned to burn the picture of Bhagwan Rama in front of EV Ramasamy Nayakkar(Periyar) statue was apprehended by Tamil Nadu police. Hindu outfits registered their protest against the attempt and lodged a complaint with the police. The Periyarist was arrested for hurting religious sentiments.
‘Dravidan’ MP Mayandi, the founder of Periyar Dravida Makkal Tamilagam sent a letter to the editors and reporters of news outlets in Tirunelveli district announcing his intention to burn the picture of Bhagwan Rama on the occasion of Rama Navami. The letter read, “May Periyar’s name live on! Let us follow the path of Periyar who protected social justice. A protest of burning Rama’s picture in front of the Periyar statue in Palayamkottai bus stand will commence on 30.03.2023 between 10 AM AM and 11 AM on the occasion of Rama Navami”.
It could be an attempt at attention seeking. But can the same person issue an announcement on Ramzan saying that he’ll burn a copy of the Quran in front of the Periyar statue? Recent incidents following Nupur Sharma merely quoting what is said in Islamic scriptures show how impossible that would be. Why should Hindus allow such sacrilege even if it was merely for attention-seeking? Hindu outfits did well in stopping the Periyarist in time.
