BJP State president K. Annamalai’s recent claim that DMK founder C.N. Annadurai “apologised” to Forward Bloc leader U. Muthuramalinga Thevar and “ran away from Madurai” after the latter was incensed over certain rationalist remarks made by him at an event in Madurai in 1956, has led to the AIADMK declaring that the BJP is no longer its ally in Tamil Nadu. Mr. Annamalai later defended his claim, saying the incident was reported by The Hindu.
A perusal of reports published by The Hindu during May 31 to June 4, 1956 reveals that on the fourth day (June 2) of the golden jubilee celebration of the Madurai Tamil Sangam, Thevar took exception to Annadurai’s speech. But there was no reference in a report carried on June 4, 1956 or subsequently to any statement of regret or apology made by the DMK founder.
The report in question stated that Thevar had “condemned in strong terms” the organisers of the golden jubilee celebration of the Madurai Tamil Sangam for providing a platform to “leaders of communal organisations” to give vent to their feelings at the meeting held in the precincts of a temple. P.T. Rajan, one of the prominent leaders of the Justice Party and former Chief Minister (April to August 1936), was the chairman of the celebration committee.
