Periyar Row: 'Thuglak' Publishes Pics Of Controversial 1971 Salem Rally
Chennai: In its latest issue, 'Thuglak' magazine, according to a tweet by its editor, S. Gurumurthy, published pictures from the controversial rally held by the Dravidian icon, Periyar in Salem, Tamil Nadu in 1971.
Gurumurthy, whose Twitter handle describes his association with the magazine founded by Cho Ramaswamy as " Editor Thuglak by destiny", in this tweet pointed out that the journal was publishing relevant parts of the 1971 issue. The post said: "As demanded by the readers, we have reprinted in this week's Thuglak the relevant pages in the issues dates 15.2.1971 & 1.3.1971 on the infamous Salem anti Hindu procession."
As demanded by the readers, we have reprinted in this week's Thuglak the relevant pages in the issues dates 15.2.1971 & 1.3.1971 on the infamous Salem anti Hindu procession. https://t.co/qG5HUkQ8lJ
— S Gurumurthy (@sgurumurthy) January 28, 2020
The controversial rally was back in the news after Tamil legend, actor-turned- politician, Rajinikanth referred to it. Rajinikanth had earlier said that in the 1971 rally in Salem led by Periyar, objectionable pictures of Lord Rama and Goddess Sita were taken out, garlanded with shoes. The actor-turned-politician's comments stirred up a hornet's nest, with all parties in Tamil Nadu—barring the BJP coming down on him.
The ruling AIADMK, DMK, MDMK and other political outfits criticised Rajinikanth's remarks and many Dravidian groups staged protests in front of his house in Chennai. Rajinikanth was asked to apologise and withdraw his comments. However, he refused to do so and told media persons that he was only stating facts.
The actor turned politician was supported by the BJP in his stand. BJP MP Dr Subramanian Swamy observed that Rajinikanth mentioned only well-known facts and that he was ready to offer legal support to the actor-turned-politician, if required.