Delimitation row | Ettayapuram royal reacts to Rahul Gandhi's 'Ettapan' remark: 'Political leaders must exercise caution...'
While describing the proposed delimitation as a "conspiracy" by the BJP to "take away" Tamil Nadu's political power, he said that anyone supporting the exercise would be a "21st-century Ettappan"
Rahul Gandhi's controversial remarks in Tamil Nadu, where he termed supporters of the proposed BJP delimitation as '21st-century Ettappans' (traitors), have drawn sharp criticism. Raja Chandra Chaitanya, a descendant of King Ettappan, voiced his deep sadness, refuting the notion that his ancestors betrayed the Tamil people and highlighting their significant contributions to Tamil literature and patronage of poets like C. Subramania Bharati. He emphasized that the historical context of 'Ettappan' has been misrepresented, particularly by a film, and that his family is actively working to dispel these misconceptions. Chaitanya urged political leaders to exercise caution and responsible language when making such statements. The controversy unfolds against the backdrop of speculation about the government reintroducing a bill to increase Lok Sabha seats and implement women's reservation.
Rahul Gandhi's controversial remarks in Tamil Nadu, where he termed supporters of the proposed BJP delimitation as '21st-century Ettappans' (traitors), have drawn sharp criticism. Raja Chandra Chaitanya, a descendant of King Ettappan, voiced his deep sadness, refuting the notion that his ancestors betrayed the Tamil people and highlighting their significant contributions to Tamil literature and patronage of poets like C. Subramania Bharati. He emphasized that the historical context of 'Ettappan' has been misrepresented, particularly by a film, and that his family is actively working to dispel these misconceptions. Chaitanya urged political leaders to exercise caution and responsible language when making such statements. The controversy unfolds against the backdrop of speculation about the government reintroducing a bill to increase Lok Sabha seats and implement women's reservation.
Rahul Gandhi's controversial remarks in Tamil Nadu, where he termed supporters of the proposed BJP delimitation as '21st-century Ettappans' (traitors), have drawn sharp criticism. Raja Chandra Chaitanya, a descendant of King Ettappan, voiced his deep sadness, refuting the notion that his ancestors betrayed the Tamil people and highlighting their significant contributions to Tamil literature and patronage of poets like C. Subramania Bharati. He emphasized that the historical context of 'Ettappan' has been misrepresented, particularly by a film, and that his family is actively working to dispel these misconceptions. Chaitanya urged political leaders to exercise caution and responsible language when making such statements. The controversy unfolds against the backdrop of speculation about the government reintroducing a bill to increase Lok Sabha seats and implement women's reservation.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi recently kicked up a row in Tamil Nadu while making statements regarding the proposed delimitation exercise by the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
Also read | Was 'Ettappan' a traitor? A royal family battles to reclaim its honour
While describing the proposed delimitation as a "conspiracy" by the BJP to "take away" Tamil Nadu's political power, he said that anyone supporting the exercise would be a "21st-century Ettappan", a Tamil term now used as a slur meant for a traitor.
Shocked by the Leader of Opposition's remarks, Raja Chandra Chaitanya, the 42nd titular king of the Ettayapuram samasthanam and great-grandson of King Ettapan, said that he was deeply saddened by Gandhi's remarks.
Chaitanya pointed out that the names of his ancestors were mentioned in a "derogatory way".
"The way the statement was worded made it seem as if the betrayal had been against the Tamil people. It is false," said Chaitanya. "We have pride in saying that we are one of the families who contributed to Muthamil (Tamil literature, poetry and place), and we have been patrons of national poets like C. Subramania Bharati," he added.
"The history behind Ettapan is so wonderful, and it is completely different from the derogatory way it was portrayed in one film, 'Veerapandiya Kattabomman'," he said.
Chaitanya further said that the name 'Ettapan' was never before used in a bad way. "I would have hoped that people, especially political leaders, would exercise caution when they make such statements," he said.
He, along with hundreds of people part of the Ettayapuram samasthanam, has been taking collective efforts and campaigns to change the misconception behind the name.He cautioned people to use the name in a proper way and not be misused in political attacks.
"We have approached the education minister in the previous and the current government to ensure that reforms be made in this regard.
A protest was conducted last year to bring awareness that the word has been misused.
While speaking to reporters in Tamil Nadu's Mahabalipuram on Saturday, Gandhi said that, "anyone who supports delimitation is betraying Tamil Nadu, betraying the future of Tamil Nadu, and allowing the RSS and BJP to attack the people of Tamil Nadu and its future."
His remarks came amid speculation that the Centre may reintroduce the Constitutional Amendment Bill, which proposes increasing the strength of the Lok Sabha to as many as 850 seats and implementing the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, 2023, providing 33 per cent reservation for women in legislatures.