Periyar Arivulagam books row: political leaders raise concern over allegations, call for action

CHENNAI After writer Perumal Murugan wrote about alleged irregularities in the procurement of books for Periyar Arivulagam, a newly inaugurated public library in Coimbatore, Makkal Needhi Maiam (MNM) founder and Rajya Sabha Member Kamal Haasan said on Friday that “there can be no greater disgrace to the Tamil language than this”. He pointed out that books containing fabricated information could cause immense damage in the long run. In a statement, he said the reputation of Tamil language would be irreparably damaged if people read, took notes, and incorporated the contents of (fabricated books) into speeches, written works, and research. “Whoever is responsible for this has betrayed the Tamil language.

I urge the Government of Tamil Nadu to immediately withdraw these fake books from all libraries and have them dumped on the streets and burnt. The publishing houses responsible for this must be sealed. We owe a debt of gratitude to writer Mr. Murugan for exposing this fraud,” Mr.

Haasan said. ‘Shock and concern’ Manithaneya Makkal Katchi president and MLA M.H.