DMK Leader Defends Vedic Wedding Ceremony, Citing Granddaughter's Wish

A DMK leader has responded to criticism over a Vedic wedding ceremony held for his granddaughter. He said he went along with the Vedic rituals because he had to fulfil his granddaughter's wish. Dravidar Kazhagam president K Veeramani criticised him over the chanting of Vedic mantras. Veeramani questioned whether the leader had drifted from the party's core principles of rationalism and self-respect. The episode has drawn attention to the tension between family traditions and the movement's ideology.