DMK MP from Tamil Nadu A Raja on Sunday sparked a fresh controversy by raising the demand for a ‘separate Tamil Nadu’. The statement was criticized by many in the opposition as a statement promoting separatist sentiments. Even more shocking was the statement made on the stage with Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin.
Speaking at an event for DMK local body workers in Namakkal, Raja said, “I urge the Center to grant us autonomy. “We will not stop our fight till Tamil Nadu gets state autonomy.
He said that his ideological leader Periyar advocated a separate Tamil Nadu from India. “However, we have so far put aside that demand for democracy and unity of India. I urge Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah not to force us to revive the demand. Please give us the autonomy of the state,” he said.