A heated exchange in the Lok Sabha brought DMK MP A. Raja into sharp focus, as he delivered a pointed rebuttal to BJP MP Tejasvi Surya during discussions on delimitation and the Women’s Reservation Bill.
Initiating the remarks, Tejasvi Surya criticised the opposition’s stance and questioned their resistance to the proposed measures. He said, “Why are opposition parties, especially the DMK, shouting so much on these Bills? The tears they shed are nothing but crocodile tears.” He further alleged that opposition parties were attempting to delay and disrupt the implementation of the Women’s Reservation Bill by presenting “new excuses” against the delimitation exercise. Stressing the government’s position, Surya stated, “Delimitation is not a covert exercise. We are only fully following what the Constitution mandates.”
A. Raja responded immediately, firmly rejecting both the criticism and the remarks on nationalism. He highlighted Tamil Nadu’s contributions during critical moments in India’s history, stating, “During the 1971 war with Pakistan, we contributed ₹6 crore to protect the nation, which was higher than many other states.” He added, “In 1999, during the Kargil War when Atal Bihari Vajpayee was Prime Minister, the Tamil Nadu government under Karunanidhi contributed ₹100 crore.”
Underscoring his objection to Surya’s comments, Raja said, “There is no need for him to teach us patriotism. We too stand for the nation.” His response emphasised that the DMK’s political legacy includes consistent support for national causes, while also asserting its right to question policies.
Raja further clarified the basis of the party’s opposition, linking it to concerns over federal principles and cultural imposition. He said, “When you impose Hindi and Sanskrit, and when you do not respect state autonomy, we oppose it.” His remarks framed the DMK’s stance as one rooted in safeguarding state rights while remaining committed to national integrity.
