Rajini's Periyar remark assumes political overtones, Dravidian

The row over Rajinikanth's comment about a rally led byreformist leader E V Ramasamy "Periyar" decades ago is appearing to assume political overtones with Dravidian ideologists upping the ante anda senior BJP leader throwing his weight behind him on Wednesday.

A day after the actor rejected demands for an apology by Dravidian outfits, the chorus against him has grown louder with Tamil Nadu Deputy Chief Minister O Panneerselvam backed the rationalist leader, popularly called Periyar by his followers.

K Veeramani, President of the Dravidar Kazhagam, founded by Periyar, said the actor will have to "answer thecourt," for his remark.

The state unit of the Congress came down heavily on Rajinikanth and asked him not to fall prey to "evil, communal elements."
Raising slogans against the actor, cadres of DVK, a fringe Dravidian outfit,asked him to not aid 'communal politics."
Revenue Minister R B Udhayakumarthrew his hat in the ring saying "even thousands of Rajikanths cannot diminish the reputation of Periyar."
While the DMK had already said the actor must be mindful while commenting aboutPeriyar, Congress, its ally said the actor should have avoided making such a remarkand wanted to know if he will explain about the "political and communal ulterior motive."
Tamil Nadu Congress Committee chief K S Alagiri in a statement, condemned theremark, alleging it amounted to "belittling Periyar who dedicated his life for establishing social justicefor the Tamil people who were suppressed for thousands of years."
A Twitter user, tagging Congress leaders including RahulGandhi asked if they have seen the TNCC chief's statement and wanted to know ifthe grand old party supported "insulting of Hindu Gods and garlanding them with chappals?"