AIADMK Condemns Periyar Documentary At Madurai Conference, Says Party Ideology Remains Uncompromised

Senior AIADMK leader R B Udhayakumar on Tuesday (24 June) condemned the screening of a video documentary that allegedly defamed Dravidar Kazhagam founder Periyar E V Ramasamy and DMK founder C N Annadurai at the Murugan devotees’ conference held in Madurai on Sunday.

In a video statement, Udhayakumar, who is the Deputy Leader of the Opposition in the Assembly, clarified that the AIADMK leaders attended the event purely as devotees of Lord Murugan and were informed that the gathering would be non-political. “We participated in the conference only as devotees... with the confidence that no politics will be discussed,” he said.

He stated that the party was unaware of the resolutions or the pledge to be taken at the event. Responding to criticism that AIADMK leaders remained silent during the documentary’s screening, Udhayakumar claimed they could not see the video as the screen was placed behind them.

“Since we were on an invitation to the conference, we maintained stage decency,” he said, adding, “However, the AIADMK and its general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami will be the first to condemn any disgrace to Arignar Anna and Thanthai Periyar.”

He further asserted that the AIADMK would never compromise on its core ideologies, whether in power or opposition. Udhayakumar recalled that the party had earlier severed ties with the BJP over remarks made against Dravidian leaders, and that the AIADMK continues to raise issues like Cauvery water disputes and pending MGNREGS wages with the Centre.

As per a report by The Hindu, Udhayakumar alleged the ruling DMK was using the conference as a pretext to malign the AIADMK ahead of the elections.