On Friday, Tamil Nadu minister and DMK leader SS Sivasankar sparked controversy by asserting there is no historical evidence of Lord Ram’s existence. Comparing this to the Chola dynasty, he noted that the kingdom’s structures serve as evidence of its rulers.
Speaking at an event commemorating the birth anniversary of Rajendra Chola in Gangaikondacholapuram, Ariyalur district, Sivasankar emphasized the importance of celebrating Rajendra Chola’s legacy to avoid being forced to celebrate irrelevant figures.
“We honour Rajendra Chola, an emperor of the Chola dynasty because we have archaeological evidence like inscriptions, temples, and lakes created by him. In contrast, there is no evidence for the history of Lord Ram,” Sivasankar stated.
Drawing comparisons, he mentioned, “They claim Lord Ram lived 3,000 years ago and call him an avatar (incarnation). An avatar cannot be born. If Ram was an avatar, he couldn’t have been born; if he was born, he couldn’t be a God. This narrative manipulates us, obscures our history, and elevates another.”
The minister also criticized the Ramayana and Mahabharata, saying they lack “life lessons” while praising the Tirukkural, a collection of couplets by Tamil saint-poet Thiruvalluvar from 2,000 years ago.
Sivasankar’s remarks drew a sharp reaction from the BJP, with the party’s state president K Annamalai questioning the DMK’s “obsession with Lord Ram” and condemning the comments on social media platform X.
DMK's sudden obsession with Bhagwan Shri Ram is truly a sight to behold—who would've thought?
— K.Annamalai (@annamalai_k) August 2, 2024
Just last week, DMK's Law Minister Thiru Raghupathy avl declared that Bhagwan Shri Ram was the ultimate champion of social justice, the pioneer of secularism, and the one who proclaimed… pic.twitter.com/z8or4AQQML
“DMK’s sudden fascination with Bhagwan Shri Ram is quite remarkable—who would have imagined? Just last week, DMK’s Law Minister Thiru Raghupathy declared that Bhagwan Shri Ram was the ultimate advocate of social justice, the pioneer of secularism, and a proponent of equality. Now, we have the scandal-tainted DMK Transport Minister, Thiru Shiva Shankar, boldly stating that Lord Ram never existed, claiming it’s all a ploy to erase Chola history,” he said.
He further criticised the DMK for opposing the installation of the Sengol in the new Parliament.
“Isn’t it interesting how quickly DMK leaders forget? Aren’t they the same people who opposed our Hon PM Thiru @narendramodiavl for installing the Chola Dynasty Sengol in the new Parliament Complex? It’s almost amusing that the DMK, a party that seems to believe Tamil Nadu’s history began in 1967, has suddenly developed an appreciation for the nation’s rich culture and history. Maybe it’s time for DMK Ministers Thiru Raghupathy and Thiru Shiva Shankar to sit down, debate, and reach an agreement on Lord Ram. We’re confident that Thiru Shiva Shankar could learn a lot about Bhagwan Shri Ram from his colleague,” he added.
Earlier last week, another DMK leader, S Regupathy, called Lord Ram the forerunner of the Dravidian model, claiming he was a protector of social justice. In response to the minister’s statement, the BJP said it was absurd to compare Ram Rajya with the DMK-run Dravidian government.
These comments come nearly a year after Sports Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin caused a stir by calling for the “annihilation” of Sanatana Dharma, comparing it to dengue and malaria. Udhayanidhi’s remarks put the DMK and its ally Congress under fire. Despite the pressure, the DMK youth wing chief stood by his comments and refused to retract them.
