Unveiling the Clash: The Emotional Showdown of ‘Ram Setu’ vs. Sethusamudram Project and the 2007 Attack on Tamil Nadu BJP Headquarters
In 2007, the political atmosphere in New Delhi and Chennai was charged as discussions intensified over the contentious Sethusamudram Shipping Canal Project. This initiative aimed to establish a shipping route through the shallow waters of the Gulf of Mannar and Palk Bay, an area known for its chain of shoals collectively referred to as Adam’s Bridge or Ram Setu. While the concept of a navigational passage around the Indian subcontinent had been considered for over a century, it gained momentum under Union Shipping Minister T.R. Baalu during the first term of the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government.
The project initially had its foundations laid during Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s tenure as Prime Minister when the DMK was part of the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA). It officially launched in July 2005 under Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. However, the project faced immediate backlash, notably from AIADMK leader Jayalalithaa, who criticized it as “economically and ecologically” unviable, as reported by The Hindu. By 2007, the Supreme Court intervened, halting project work due to concerns that it might harm the Ram Setu.
Tensions escalated between the DMK and BJP over the existence of Ram Setu. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi claimed it was a figment of imagination and not a man-made structure, provoking a strong retort from BJP leader L.K. Advani, who demanded a withdrawal of the statement regarding “Lord Rama’s existence.”
In September 2007, the situation took a dangerous turn when Vishwa Hindu Parishad leader Ram Vilas Vedanti incited outrage by suggesting the “gift in gold” for harming Karunanidhi. This sparked a series of protests led by DMK supporters across Tamil Nadu, including major cities like Chennai, Madurai, and Kanniyakumari. Demonstrators resorted to burning effigies of Vedanti, conveying their outrage.
On September 23, protests in Chennai escalated when DMK leaders marched to the BJP’s state headquarters, Kamalalayam. Protesters clashed with police, some hurling stones and damaging property, resulting in minor injuries to several BJP members. DMK’s then State Information Minister Parithi Ilamvazhuthi, leading the demonstration, later described the event as “peaceful,” despite reports of violence and vandalism.
Police intervened, detaining numerous protesters while denying any allegations of complicity in the unrest. Joint Commissioner of Police G. Dorairaj stated that the violence was provoked by BJP members, and he did not categorize the incidents as an organized attack. Jayalalithaa vehemently condemned the incident, demanding the DMK government’s dismissal for what she alleged was state-sponsored violence against political opponents.
The following day, BJP leaders lodged a formal complaint with the Governor seeking action against the DMK, citing a “total breakdown of law and order.” Tensions only escalated as arrests were made, and protests continued against perceived government inaction.
Shortly after, prominent BJP figures, including Rajnath Singh and Narendra Modi, visited Chennai to assess the situation and support their party members. Their visit highlighted the growing rift in Tamil Nadu’s political landscape amidst the ongoing controversy over the Sethusamudram Shipping Canal Project, a symbol of the broader ideological battle between regional and national parties.
This intense political climate marked a significant moment in Tamil Nadu’s history, showcasing the intersection of development projects, regional identity, and political rivalry. As the dialogue surrounding the Sethusamudram project continues, it remains a focal point of contention in Indian politics, encapsulating the challenges of infrastructure development amid deep-rooted cultural beliefs.
Original Source: https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/ram-setu-vs-sethusamudram-project-when-tamil-nadu-bjp-headquarters-was-attacked-by-dmk-cadres-in-2007/article70497542.ece
Category : Tamil Nadu
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Publish Date: 2026-01-14 05:30:00
