Chennai: AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami on Thursday said he endorsed former AIADMK minister D Jayakumar‘s view on the controversial remarks of Union home minister Amit Shah on Constitution-framer and social reformist B R Ambedkar. “I endorse Jayakumar’s comments,” he told reporters in Salem in the evening. Earlier, law minister S Regupathy criticised Palaniswami for his silence on the issue, accusing him of supporting “Sanatana forces”.
The former chief minister’s delayed response came amidst internal party unease over his silence on the latest political developments, including the ‘one nation one election’ bill that drew criticism from opponents. His lack of reaction on social media platform X contrasts with his typical online activity. Jayakumar on Wednesday said Ambedkar was a leader admired across India, and people would reject anyone who belittles him. When the home minister’s remarks were unacceptable by various sections, the consequences for BJP would be severe, Jayakumar said.
Regupathy accused the AIADMK general secretary of remaining silent on the BJP govt’s ‘one nation one election’ bill “to destroy democracy”, and on the issue of the Allahabad judge who spoke disparagingly about Muslims. “If anyone sees Palaniswami hiding in a bunker, ask him if he ever knew who Ambedkar was,” he said. DMK supporters too used social media platforms to question Palaniswami’s silence regarding his former ally, the BJP.
