On Thursday (17th September), former BJP leader K Annamalai heaped praises on Periyar, who had made genocidal speeches against Brahmins in the name of ‘social justice.’
In a tweet, K Annamalai wrote, “Today marks the birth anniversary of Periyar, who played a pivotal role in social reform movements and left an indelible impact on the social and political history of Tamil Nadu.”
“In remembrance and reverence of Periyar, who dedicated the greater part of his life to combating the inequalities and superstitions prevalent in society,” he added.
சமூக சீர்திருத்தப் போராட்டங்களில் முக்கியப் பங்காற்றி, தமிழகத்தின் சமூக மற்றும் அரசியல் வரலாற்றில் பெரும் தாக்கத்தை ஏற்படுத்திய பெரியார் அவர்களின் பிறந்த தினம் இன்று.
— K.Annamalai (@annamalai_k) September 17, 2026
சமூகத்தில் நிலவிய ஏற்றத்தாழ்வுகள் மற்றும் மூடநம்பிக்கைகளுக்கு எதிராக, தனது வாழ்க்கையின் பெரும்பகுதியைச்… pic.twitter.com/tBhJiNioh2
India’s Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru was opposed to Periyar for his genocidal speeches and had even dubbed the latter as ‘lunatic’ and ‘criminal.’
In a letter [pdf] to Madras Chief Minister Kumaraswami Kamaraj on November 5, 1957, PM Nehru stated, “I find that Ramaswami Naicker is going on saying the same thing again and calling upon people at the right time to start stabbing and killing. What he says can only be said by a criminal or a lunatic.”
He further emphasised, “I suggest, therefore, to you that there should be no delay in dealing with this matter. Let him be put in a lunatic asylum and his perverted mind treated there.”
As such, an overwhelming number of supporters of K Annamalai were aghast at his eulogy for a man who made hate speeches against a community all his life. Popular activist Sagas of Bharat wrote on X, “Shame on you.”
Shame on you. https://t.co/UZ7YhPrM8M
— SagasofBharat (talesbymiirabelle) (@SagasofBharat) September 17, 2026
Author Ratan Sharda stated, “So, the fight with Drivadianists to reclaim real Tamil legacy was only a cover for political ambitions Annamalai ji? Disappointed.”
So, the fight with Drivadianists to reclaim real Tamil legacy was only a cover for political ambitions Annamalai ji? Disappointed.
— Ratan Sharda 🇮🇳 रतन शारदा (@RatanSharda55) September 17, 2026
Another supporter of K Annamalai stated, “Don’t call this guy a policy leader! For this society to regain new life, the poisons he has sown must be removed. 90% of the youth get only irritation when they see him.”
வாழ்த்து சொல்வதில் பிரச்சனையில்லை அண்ணா இவனை கொள்கை தலைவர்னு மட்டும் சொல்லிராதீங்க ! இந்த சமுதாயம் மறு உயிர் பெறுவதற்கு இவன் விதைத்த நச்சுக்கள் அகற்றப்பட வேண்டும் . 90% இளைஞர்களுக்கு இவனை பார்த்தா எரிச்சல் தான் வருது
— kumar krishna (@kumarkrishwemm) September 17, 2026
One X user stated, “What a downfall lmao and to think I was glazing this guy months ago? How pathetic of me”
What a downfall lmao and to think I was glazing this guy months ago? How pathetic of me
— Kukku (@whydyc1234) September 17, 2026
Periyar and his hate for Hindus
Periyar was a vehement advocate of anti-Hinduism, anti-Brahminism and a pro-British. Many EVR apologists today indulge in the propaganda that EVR never advocated racial hatred against Brahmins. However, EVR was explicit in his agenda.
The magazine Periyar edited published articles praising the ascendancy of Adolf Hitler and warned Brahmins in Tamil Nadu that they should learn from the plight of Jews in Nazi Germany and opt for course correction.
Periyar’s dislike for Brahmins was so deep-rooted in him that he was almost blinded by his intense hatred and anger directed at Brahmins. He reportedly used to tell his followers that if they ever encountered a Brahmin and a snake on the road, they should kill the Brahmin first.
He has, in his lifetime, spread numerous canards about the Ramayana. All his lies were directed towards slandering the God who is considered Maryada Purshottam by Hindus. His lies ranged from accusing Shri Rama of being casteist to claiming that he killed and mutilated women.
Periyar not only claimed that no ‘North Indian Brahmin’ died in the war against Ravana but further propagated that Lord Rama had married women other than Sita for his sexual pleasure. He had also claimed that Lankan King Ravana was, in fact, a Dravidian King from South India.
Periyar had also burnt pictures of Lord Rama, who is one of the most revered Hindu gods. This is not all, Periyar is notorious for organizing a procession in Salem in Tamil Nadu with big cutouts of “Ram”, “Sita” and “Hanuman” garlanded with slippers.
Apart from his hatred for Lord Rama, Periyar also broke statues of Lord Ganesha. In fact, all his deeds reflected the virtual hatred that he harboured towards Hindus and Brahmins.

