AIADMK Backs Tamil Nadu Government’s Stand on Keeladi Excavation Dispute

Download IPFS

Sivaganga, Tamil Nadu, AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami has voiced support for the Tamil Nadu government’s stance on the Keeladi excavation dispute. During a visit to the Keeladi museum in Sivaganga district on Wednesday, he reiterated the AIADMK’s role in initiating the excavation efforts and allocating funds to build the museum.

The ongoing archaeological project in Keeladi has yielded artifacts believed to date as far back as the 6th century BCE. In 2018, samples were sent to a laboratory in Florida, USA, where they were carbon-dated to confirm their historical significance. The discoveries have sparked academic interest and political debate, particularly after the Union government reportedly sought clarification from then-ASI official Amarnath Ramakrishna.

Speaking to the media, Palaniswami said that the AIADMK was not in power when the Centre requested these clarifications, but stressed his party’s support for the state government’s position. “The excavations began during our tenure, and we fully support this initiative,” he said.

In a rare show of unity across political lines, his comments echoed the DMK government’s stance on preserving and promoting Tamil heritage through the Keeladi site. Palaniswami emphasized the importance of recognizing the cultural and historical value of the findings.

During his visit to Sivaganga, the AIADMK leader also called attention to a separate incident involving the alleged custodial death of B. Ajith Kumar in Thiruppuvanam. After meeting Kumar’s family, Palaniswami criticized the handling of the case by local law enforcement, accusing the police of negligence and abuse of power.

He noted that the case was transferred to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) only after protests and pressure from AIADMK representatives. He also highlighted that the Madras High Court took serious note of a petition filed by an AIADMK-affiliated lawyer seeking justice for the deceased.

Palaniswami further alleged that the law and order situation in Tamil Nadu had worsened under the current administration. He cited the custodial death case as an example of broader governance issues affecting public trust and safety.The AIADMK leader’s remarks combined cultural advocacy with criticism of state oversight, framing the Keeladi excavations as a matter of pride while pressing for accountability in policing.