Chennai, 30 Oct 2025
AIADMK General Secretary and Leader of the Opposition Edappadi K. Palaniswami (EPS) today reiterated his long-standing demand that freedom fighter Pasumpon Muthuramalinga Thevar should be conferred with Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian honour, in recognition of his extraordinary contribution to the nation and his tireless efforts for the upliftment of the downtrodden.
Speaking to the media after paying rich tributes at Thevar memorial on the occasion of his 118th Thevar Jayanthi celebrations at Pasumpon in Ramanathapuram district, he said: “Thevar Aiya lived with nationalism and divinity as his two eyes."
His life was one of sacrifice, courage, and compassion. He fought tirelessly for social justice, equality, and
the dignity of all communities. The nation owes him a debt of gratitude that must be honoured with the Bharat
Ratna, he said.
He said on behalf of the people of Tamil Nadu, the AIADMK has submitted a petition to union Home Minister Amit Shah stating that Bharat Ratna be conferred posthumously on Pasumpon Muthuramalinga
Thevar.
“This honour will not only recognize his service to the nation but will also stand as a symbol of the unity and equality he championed throughout his life,” he added.
Palaniswami said “Thevar Aiya was not merely a leader of one community, he was a national icon who lived and died for the cause of justice and dignity for all. The nation must rise above politics and collectively honour his ideals that continue to inspire generations".
After pyaing tributes, EPS inaugurated the Annadhana Arangam set up by the All India Forward Bloc on the occasion of the 118th birth anniversary and 63rd Guru Puja of Pasumpon Muthuramalinga Thevar. He also inaugurated an ‘Amma Annadaanam Centre’ set up by Thevar’s People’s Protection Movement. The events were attended by the District Secretary, Members of Parliament and Legislative Assembly, former Ministers and MPs, senior party executives, and a large gathering of the general public, who paid their respects and participated in the commemorative events.
Palaniswami recalled that Revolutionary Leader and AIADMK Founder M.G. Ramachandran (MGR), during his tenure as Chief Minister, had announced that Thevar Jayanthi would be celebrated as a government function, while J Jayalalithaa further honoured his memory by adorning his memorial statue with 13 kgs of gold and erecting a full-length statue of Thevar at Nandanam junction in Chennai. “Thevar Aiya’s patriotism and compassion transcended caste and creed,” EPS said. “He spent over 4,000 days in jail fighting for the rights of the people and selflessly donated thousands of acres of his land to the poor and Scheduled Castes. He was a true embodiment of unity, courage, and national spirit", Palaniswami said.
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