Congress Hits Back at DMK Over Nehru, Ambedkar Omissions in TN Policy Note

The Congress on Sunday hit back at its former ally, the DMK, over criticism surrounding the omission of prominent leaders, including Jawaharlal Nehru and B R Ambedkar, from a Tamil Nadu government policy note.

Tamil Nadu Congress Committee Treasurer Ruby R Manoharan accused the DMK of adopting “double standards” and alleged that similar omissions had occurred during previous DMK-led governments.

The remarks came a day after former DMK MLA and party legal wing joint secretary E Paranthaman criticised the state government for leaving out the names of ideological stalwarts such as EV Periyar, Ambedkar and Nehru from the official policy note of the Backward Classes and Most Backward Classes Welfare Department.

Paranthaman also questioned the Congress’ silence over the matter, particularly the omission of Nehru despite his role in the passage of the First Constitutional Amendment.

Responding to the criticism, Manoharan alleged that official policy notes presented during the previous DMK government in 2022–23, 2023–24 and 2024–25 did not mention Nehru or Ambedkar.

“Unable to digest the public verdict and standing at the peak of frustration, the DMK and its spokespersons are talking incoherently. They must first open and review their own past policy explanatory notes,” Manoharan said in a statement.

He also questioned Paranthaman’s role as a legislator during the previous Assembly term. Manoharan asked whether the former MLA had been present when the policy notes were presented and why he did not object to the alleged omissions at the time.

“Where was your commitment to social justice then?” the Congress leader asked.

The controversy has brought renewed attention to the political representation of social reformers and national leaders in government documents. It also highlights growing tensions between the Congress and DMK, despite their earlier political association.

The Congress is currently part of the TVK-led government in Tamil Nadu, adding a political dimension to the latest exchange between the two parties.