Thevar Legacy: BJP, DMK, AIADMK Battle For Tamil Nadu's Political Icon

This special report examines the enduring political legacy of Pasumpon Muthuramalingam Thevar, whose recent birth anniversary saw tributes from across the political spectrum, including PM Modi and CM Stalin, reigniting calls for a Bharat Ratna. The report highlights that his 'biggest fight was against against the British's Criminal Tribes Act, an act that tagged several communities as criminal by birth'. A freedom fighter who joined Subhas Chandra Bose's Forward Bloc, Thevar's image as a spiritual leader and social reformer is crucial for political parties. The AIADMK, and now the BJP, strategically align with his legacy to appeal to the influential Thevar community, a significant vote bank in southern and central Tamil Nadu, making his identity a key factor in the state's power dynamics.