Thennarasu asks if GoI doesn't want to recognise Tamils' antiquity

THE minister said, "Let them come with more results — data, evidence, proof — because only one finding cannot seize the discourse as people are trying to promote regional sentiments using this. That is not fair. We have to be very, very cautious on these things. Let the research be completed on all the parameters. Then we will take a call."

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After keeping the report pending for two years since January 2023, the ASI on May 21 returned the 982-page Keezhadi Excavation Report (2014-15 and 2015-16) submitted by Ramakrishna and asked him to resubmit the report after making certain corrections. The communication by the Exploration and Excavation Section of the ASI said changes were suggested by two experts who vetted the report to make it "more authentic".

Though the TN government did not officially react when the controversy broke out weeks ago, Thennarasu quickly responded to Shekhawat's remarks on Tuesday, blaming the centre for its persistent stand in rejecting the history of the Tamil people. "Don't forget, history and the truth it speaks won't wait for your cheap politics. It is for the people. It will reach the people. Would the world go dark if a cat shuts its eyes," Thennarasu asked.