In a politically charged move aimed at consolidating support among the influential Thevar community, AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami (EPS) has demanded that the Bharat Ratna—the country’s highest civilian honour—be posthumously conferred on freedom fighter and community icon Pasumpon Muthuramalinga Thevar. Speaking at a rally in Aathoor, Dindigul district on September 7, 2025, EPS also urged the Centre to rename the Madurai Airport after Thevar, pledging to pursue both demands relentlessly.
The announcement comes at a time when the AIADMK is grappling with internal fractures and waning support in southern Tamil Nadu, particularly among Thevar voters. The exit of prominent Thevar leaders like O. Panneerselvam (OPS), V.K. Sasikala, and T.T.V. Dhinakaran from the party and their re-entry into the NDA has left EPS scrambling to retain the community’s trust ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections.
🧭 Timeline of Thevar Community’s Political Influence in AIADMK
| Year | Event | Impact on AIADMK |
|---|---|---|
| 2001–2016 | Jayalalithaa elevates OPS twice as CM | Strengthens Thevar representation |
| 2017 | Sasikala, a Thevar, briefly takes control | Reinforces community’s prominence |
| 2021 | AIADMK expels OPS, Sasikala, Dhinakaran | Begins erosion of Thevar support |
| 2023 | EPS breaks from NDA, later rejoins | OPS and Dhinakaran re-enter NDA separately |
| September 2025 | EPS demands Bharat Ratna for Thevar | Attempt to placate disgruntled Thevar cadres |
EPS’s push for national recognition of Thevar is seen as a strategic counter to the growing influence of OPS and Dhinakaran.
🔍 Why Bharat Ratna for Muthuramalinga Thevar Matters Politically
| Reason | Description | Political Implication |
|---|---|---|
| Historical Legacy | Thevar was a freedom fighter and social reformer | Symbol of pride for southern Tamil Nadu |
| Electoral Influence | Thevar community holds sway in 40+ Assembly seats | Crucial for AIADMK’s southern revival |
| Cultural Identity | Thevar Jayanthi celebrated across Tamil Nadu | Reinforces emotional connect with voters |
| Counter to OPS-Dhinakaran | Reclaiming Thevar narrative from rivals | EPS seeks to rebrand AIADMK as inclusive |
EPS’s speech highlighted Thevar’s unopposed victories and philanthropic legacy, positioning him as a national icon.
📉 AIADMK’s Southern Decline Post-Jayalalithaa
| Election Year | AIADMK Performance in Southern Districts | Key Factors Behind Decline |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | Dominant wins in Thevar strongholds | Jayalalithaa’s leadership, OPS’s elevation |
| 2021 | Significant losses | Internal rift, expulsion of Thevar leaders |
| 2024 (Lok Sabha) | Poor showing in southern seats | OPS-Dhinakaran split, DMK consolidation |
EPS’s rise from the Gounder community has shifted AIADMK’s power base to the western belt, alienating southern cadres.
🔥 EPS’s Campaign Strategy to Woo Thevar Voters
| Action Item | Description | Intended Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Bharat Ratna Demand | National recognition for Thevar | Emotional appeal to community pride |
| Madurai Airport Renaming | Symbolic gesture of honour | Reinforce regional identity |
| Makkalai Kaappom Campaign | Statewide outreach drive | Reconnect with grassroots supporters |
| Welfare Promises | Clinics, housing, farmer schemes | Address economic grievances |
EPS has promised to take up these demands with the Centre and ensure their fulfillment if AIADMK returns to power.
🧠 Expert Commentary on EPS’s Political Calculus
| Expert Name | Role | Comment |
|---|---|---|
| Meera Iyer | Tamil Nadu Political Analyst | “EPS’s Bharat Ratna pitch is a tactical move to reclaim lost ground.” |
| Rajiv Bansal | Electoral Strategy Consultant | “Thevar votes can swing 40+ seats—EPS knows he can’t afford to lose them.” |
| Dr. Rakesh Sinha | Historian of Tamil Nadu Politics | “Thevar legacy has always been central to AIADMK’s southern narrative.” |
Experts agree that EPS’s gesture is both symbolic and strategic, aimed at reshaping the party’s caste equations.
📦 Thevar Community’s Political Legacy in Tamil Nadu
| Leader Name | Role / Affiliation | Contribution to AIADMK |
|---|---|---|
| Pasumpon Muthuramalinga Thevar | Freedom fighter, social reformer | Cultural icon and community unifier |
| O. Panneerselvam | Former CM, expelled from AIADMK | Elevated by Jayalalithaa, now in NDA |
| V.K. Sasikala | Jayalalithaa’s aide, expelled | Reinforced Thevar prominence in party |
| T.T.V. Dhinakaran | AMMK founder, rejoined NDA | Rival power center for Thevar voters |
EPS’s leadership has been marked by sidelining these figures, leading to internal discontent.
📅 Upcoming Political Milestones for AIADMK
| Event | Date | Strategic Importance |
|---|---|---|
| Makkalai Kaappom Phase 5 | September 2025 | Final leg of EPS’s outreach campaign |
| AIADMK General Council Meet | October 2025 | Possible resolution on Thevar demands |
| NDA Coordination Talks | November 2025 | Alliance clarity ahead of elections |
| Tamil Nadu Assembly Elections | April 2026 | Litmus test for EPS’s leadership |
EPS’s ability to retain Thevar support will be critical to AIADMK’s performance in 2026.
📌 Conclusion
Edappadi K. Palaniswami’s renewed push for Bharat Ratna for Pasumpon Muthuramalinga Thevar is more than a symbolic tribute—it’s a calculated political maneuver to placate a disgruntled vote bank and rebuild AIADMK’s southern base. With OPS and Dhinakaran reclaiming ground and the Thevar community’s loyalty in flux, EPS is betting on legacy politics to restore trust. Whether this move translates into electoral gains will be revealed in the months ahead, but for now, the AIADMK chief has made his intentions clear: reclaim the past to secure the future.
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Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available news reports, political statements, and expert commentary as of September 8, 2025. It is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute political or legal advice.
