Anitha Radhakrishnan kicks off controversy by addressing HR&CE minister by his caste

Chennai: Former DMK minister Anitha R Radhakrishnan on Sunday stirred a fresh controversy by addressing HR&CE minister S Ramesh by his caste. Ramesh retaliated saying he was a follower of Periyar and wasn’t in the habit of using his caste as surname. The minister representing Srirangam, garlanded a statue of social reformer and DK founder Periyar E V Ramasamy in his constituency on Saturday and posted the news on X.

Anitha issued a statement in which he addressed the minister as Ramesh Iyengar thrice. Condemning Ramesh’s inspection of Tiruchendur Murugan temple, he said, “Ramesh Iyengar had insulted Thirusundara Archakars (referring to some priests accused of swindling money from devotees in the name of VIP dharshan). For several centuries, the Thirusundara Archakars have been guiding devotees to offer their prayers in the temple.”

Ramesh responded to Anitha on X, saying, “Unlike you, I, a follower of Periyar, don’t have the practice of using my caste as surname.” Ramesh issued a warning to Thirusundara Archakars, saying they should not take money in the name of service. “Obtaining money for service is not service to god and no god has asked us to do so,” he said.

The issue started when a section of Thirusundara Archakars demanded money from Ramesh without realising he was a minister, during his recent inspection at Tiruchendur Murugan temple. The issue sparked wide controversy. Ramesh issued a stern warning to priests demanding ‘bribes’.