DMK leader says Lord Ram was 'forerunner' of Dravidian model

Regupathy also stated if he gets a chance, he would visit the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya.

Tamil Nadu Law Minister and DMK leader S Regupathy has called Lord Ram as the forerunner of Dravidian model, evoking a sharp reaction from the opposition BJP.

Speaking at an event organised by Kamban Kazhagam on Monday, Regupathy said Lord Ram was a protector of social justice.

"Before Periyar, Annadurai, Chief Minister MK Stalin and former Chief Minister Kalaignar (M Karunanidhi), it was Ram, the protector of social justice, who took forward the Dravidian model. Ram was the only hero who preached secularism and social justice to the world. Ram was the only hero who said that all are equal," Regupathy said.

Regupathy also said that 'Rama Kaviyam' (Ramayan) was created to make sure that a society without inequality would be created in the future.

Regupathy also stated if he gets a chance, he would visit the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya.

Reacting to the minister's statement, the BJP said it was absurd to compare Ram Rajya with the Dravidian government run by the DMK.

"DMK's Dravidian model government is not like Rama's kingdom. The DMK model is similar to Ravana's kingdom. It is funny and laughable, that the DMK party which claims that it is fighting to abolish Sanatana Dharma, compares its governance to Rama Rajya," a statement by Tamil Nadu BJP read.