October 9 marked the 128th birth anniversary of former Chief Minister M. Bhaktavatsalam (1897-1987), who was the last Congress Chief Minister of the State (1963-67). Known for fervent patriotism, self-effacement, dedication, the former Chief Minister was a stickler for rules. “He was an unsmiling person but not corrupt,” observes veteran political writer and social activist S.V. Rajadurai.

However, Bhaktavatsalam continues to be viewed adversely by sections of historians and political leaders for the way he handled the acute shortage of rice and anti-Hindi imposition agitation in the State. He is still blamed for the debacle of the Congress in the 1967 Assembly election.

Yet, one remark that he made after the declaration of results of the 1967 Assembly election , remains a subject of i

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