Progressive values: Caste dehumanises society, and the Dravidian movement exists to rehumanise it, says K. Veeramani. | Photo Credit: M. Moorthy

At 93, Dravidar Kazhagam president K. Veeramani has spent the past several weeks campaigning tirelessly for the Secular Progressive Alliance in Tamil Nadu. He has witnessed 17 elections, but insists this one is different — an ideological war and not just a contest among political parties. In this conversation, he reflects on Dravidian ideology, the limits of law in dismantling caste, the crisis of federalism, and the relevance of the Dravidar Kazhagam. Edited excerpts:

Published - April 20, 2026 09:19 pm IST