Chennai:  Naam Tamilar Katchi coordinator Seeman lambasted the BJP-led Central government for rejecting’ the State's tableau for the Republic Day parade, which purportedly included Tamil Nadu freedom fighters.
He said in a statement that the BJP had no right to reject freedom warriors from Tamil Nadu because the state had played no vital part in the independence battle.
"V.O.C. operated an autonomous ship and battled for freedom while inflicting losses on the British Government... He paid the price with two life sentences and years of torture at the hands of his captors. Velu Nachiyar fought the British government for independence. The Centre has humiliated Tamils by refusing to acknowledge their contribution. He said, "It can't be forgiven."
 Seeman went on to say that if they aren't included in the parade because they aren't nationally recognised, only the nation's father, M.K. Gandhi, and B.R. Ambedkar will be. He also slammed the Centre for not including Netaji Subash Chandra Bose of West Bengal and Kerala's Narayana Guru in the march. The government should recognise that these leaders had given their life for the country's freedom and had suffered greatly at the hands of the British. Even if their native country does not recognise them, they cannot be recognised." Seeman further alleged the Centre for failing to include the tableaux from West Bengal and Kerala.