Registering his condemnation for the desecration of Periyar’s statue in Tamil Nadu and razing of communist icon Lenin’s statue in Tripura, Stalin said that a mere mention of Periyar’s name gives butterflies in the stomach for the enemies of Tamil ethnicity. Expressing solidarity with the protesters who have hit the road against the BJP on the statue issue, Stalin said, “People who propose to remove Periyar’s statue are doing so because they are jealous of the growth and rights won over by Tamils.” 

Recalling the reforms brought by DMK regime, as was conceived by Periyar, mainly 27% reservation for OBCs through Mandal commission, the Leader of Opposition said the black-shirt clad youths who had succeeded in the Jallikattu protests had only followed on the footsteps of Periyar who sported a black shirt and took to the streets every time people’s rights were threatened. 

The DMK working president, who cared not to mention the name of the same H Raja he wanted arrested under Goondas Act, in a statement said that some people were babbling and badmouthing about Periyar in the complacence that their party is in power at the Centre. 

“No one would dare dream or imagine about removing the statue of Periyar hereafter. If there is any person still holding such thoughts, I dare them to touch the statue of Periyar. DMK cadre would reveal their identity then,” Stalin cautioned.