Tamil Nadu’s last Congress Chief Minister Bhaktavatsalam’s virus remark that went viral

On October 9, the 128th birth anniversary of M. Bhaktavatsalam, the last Congress Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu (1963-67), was observed. Bhaktavatsalam, who passed away in February 1987 at the age of 89, was noted for his patriotism and dedication to public service. His tenure saw significant challenges, particularly regarding rice shortages and the anti-Hindi agitation in the state, leading to criticism from historians and political figures. The Congress’s defeat in the 1967 Assembly elections, which he attributed to a “virus” spreading in the state, remains a contentious topic in political discourse.

Following the elections, Bhaktavatsalam’s comment about the political landscape of Tamil Nadu stirred substantial debate. He expressed his acknowledgment of the defeat as “the verdict of the people against the Congress,” while later clarifying that his metaphorical reference to a “virus” was about the internal issues within the party rather than a critique of the opposition DMK. His attempts at clarification were made through various interviews and in his memoirs.

In recognition of his legacy, the DMK government built a memorial for Bhaktavatsalam in 1998, highlighting his administrative contributions. His family members, including his daughter Sarojini Varadappan and granddaughter Jayanthi Natarajan, participated in the memorial’s inauguration.