Former Minister S P Velumani urged strict action against the anti-social elements in society who had insulted such a great leader as Periyar by vandalizing the statue.
Coimbatore: The AIADMK opposition leader, MLA and former Minister S P Velumani strongly condemned the vandalizing of the statue of Periyar near the Vellalore bus stand in Coimbatore district.
"Periyar was the one who spread the principles of rationality not only in Tamil Nadu but also in the world and created social awareness. Through his rational campaign, he created awareness of self-respect among the people for the rights of women, the liberation of widows, remarriage, reservation in Tamil Nadu, against caste and religion, for the rights of the downtrodden and against superstitions.
Anti-social elements who insulted such a leader by vandalizing his statue should be punished. Police should take appropriate action and teach a lesson to these anti-socials," he reiterated.