‘Can’t Sleep Without AC…’: DMK MP’s Remark On Former CM Kamaraj Stirs Row, Later Clarifies

Last Updated:July 17, 2025, 16:38 IST

DMK MP Tiruchi Siva has stoked a controversy by saying that Congress leader and former CM K Kamaraj could not sleep without air conditioners.

DMK MP Tiruchi Siva. (File)

A political slugfest broke out within the INDIA bloc in Tamil Nadu after DMK MP Tiruchi Siva made controversial comments about former Chief Minister and Congress veteran leader K Kamaraj.

The controversial remarks evoked strong denouncement from the Congress leaders while Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin urged leaders to avoid debates. Later, Siva clarified that he did not mean to tarnish the great leader’s reputation.

What’s The Row?

While addressing the party’s meeting in Perambur on Wednesday, the DMK MP claimed that Kamaraj, though lauded for his simplicity, couldn’t sleep without air conditioner.

Siva had also claimed that the iconic Congress leader, during his last days, held the hands of DMK stalwart M Karunanidhi and had urged him to “protect the democracy."

Siva said that that was disclosed to him by Karunanidhi himself and that the then DMK government installed air conditioners in all the government guest houses.

Congress’ Denouncement

His remarks evoked strong denouncement from the Congress with the party’s state unit demanding an apology from the Rajya Sabha MP.

Party’s state unit president K Selvaperunthagai flayed Siva for the controversial remarks and accused him of speaking without evidence.

“No one has the right to speak in such a manner about Kamaraj or even the right to criticise him," Selvaperunthagai said.

Congress MP Jothimani too reacted sharply, saying Kamaraj was known for his honesty, simplicity and administrative skills.

“He was defeated in elections only because of the myths spread by the DMK. He (Kamaraj) travelled to every nook and corner of Tamil Nadu where there were no AC rooms or five-star hotels. As a chief minister, he stayed in government hotels and even slept under a tree when the heat was unbearable," she said.

Annamalai’s Jibe

Adding to the controversy, BJP leader Annamalai on Thursday questioned Congress over their “silence" on Tiruchi Siva comments. He also asked whether Congress will leave the DMK alliance and contest alone to “save their dignity."

“Is Congress still silent after DMK speaking factually incorrect about K. Kamaraj? Is Congress ready to leave the DMK alliance? Is Congress prepared to contest alone to save its dignity?" he said.

Stalin Urges To Avoid Debates

Meanwhile, Stalin urged leaders to avoid debates, and “to not give room to the intentions of evil-minded people who plan to stir trouble and revel in it!"

He said that it is not right to “controversial debates" in public about K Kamraj, “a true Tamilian," as Stalin described.

Siva’s Clarification

After a huge backlash over his comments, the DMK MP clarified that debates intensified as if he spoke in a manner that tarnished the reputation of the great leader Kamaraj.

“Many people know that I criticise with dignity even when I talk about leaders who are in the opposition. I usually speak passionately and emotionally on many platforms that Kamaraj was the eye opener for education and that he was the guiding force for India in introducing the mid-day meal scheme in schools to encourage children to attend schools," Siva said in a statement.

He had great respect and admiration for Kamaraj, who was a freedom fighter, one who made sacrifices, served the people as Chief Minister and leader of the Congress party, and held a special place in everyone’s hearts.

“I request everyone to kindly accept this explanation and not to make the message I conveyed in my speech a subject of further debate," he said.

(With inputs from agencies)

News politics ‘Can’t Sleep Without AC…’: DMK MP’s Remark On Former CM Kamaraj Stirs Row, Later Clarifies