Controversy arose when DMK MP Tiruchi Siva suggested that former Chief Minister and Congress leader K Kamaraj relied on air conditioners to sleep, challenging his well-known image of simplicity. Speaking at a DMK meeting in Perambur on July 16, Siva, the party’s deputy general secretary, attributed the claim to late DMK leader M Karunanidhi, stating that the DMK government installed ACs in government guest houses for Kamaraj’s comfort. Siva also mentioned that Kamaraj, in his final days, urged Karunanidhi to “protect democracy.”

The statement drew strong criticism from Congress leaders. TNCC president K Selvaperunthagai condemned Siva’s remarks as baseless, declaring, “No one has the right to question Kamaraj’s legacy.” Congress MP Jothimani defended Kamaraj’s frugal lifestyle, noting he traveled Tamil Nadu’s villages without luxuries, sometimes sleeping under trees to cope with heat. She attributed his electoral defeats to “myths” spread by DMK. TMC leader G K Vasan, formerly with Congress, praised Kamaraj’s “golden era” governance and called Siva’s claim unfounded.

In response, Siva clarified that he meant no disrespect to Kamaraj, whom he admired as a freedom fighter and pioneer of the mid-day meal scheme. “I speak with dignity, even about political opponents,” he said, requesting that the issue not be debated further while highlighting Kamaraj’s contributions to education and leadership.

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