TN, Kerala CMs Participate in Vaikom Satyagraha Centenary; Vijayan Highlights Governor vs. State Issue

Chief Ministers M K Stalin of Tamil Nadu and Pinarayi Vijayan of Kerala participated in the centenary celebration of the Vaikom Satyagraha, emphasizing the need for renaissance movements to establish an egalitarian society free from repression. The low-key event included floral tributes to rationalist leader Periyar E V Ramasamy, known as “Vaikom Veerar.” The centenary also saw the release of a book on Periyar and the 1924 Vaikom struggle, along with a centenary souvenir. M K Stalin presented a copy of the souvenir to Pinarayi Vijayan. Both leaders highlighted the significance of the Vaikom Satyagraha in challenging untouchability and caste inequality, calling for efforts to establish an egalitarian society. Pinarayi Vijayan expressed concern over the misuse of Gubernatorial positions to subvert the authorities of elected state governments and encroachment on judiciary roles by some Governors. The event aimed to commemorate the historical movement that paved the way for temple entry in India.

Pinarayi Vijayan expressed concern over the misuse of Gubernatorial positions and encroachment on judiciary roles by some Governors, emphasizing the need to bring different strands together for the common good. The event aimed to commemorate the Vaikom Struggle, a historic people’s movement that contributed to temple entry in India.