State Autonomy

Government of India Act 1919 introduces dyarchy

Based on the Montagu-Chelmsford Report, the Act introduced dyarchy in the provinces, including Madras, transferring some subjects to elected ministers.

Periyar raises 'Dravida Nadu for Dravidians'

Periyar swapped the slogan 'Tamil Nadu for Tamils' for 'Dravida Nadu for Dravidians', setting the Justice Party on a separatist course.

Justice Party becomes Dravidar Kazhagam at Salem

Meeting at Salem, the Justice Party, now led by Periyar, took the name Dravidar Kazhagam and gave up contesting elections.

DMK drops demand for a separate Dravida Nadu

After the Sino-Indian War and the anti-secession Sixteenth Amendment, the DMK abandoned its demand for an independent Dravida Nadu.

M. Karunanidhi becomes Chief Minister

M. Karunanidhi succeeded Annadurai as Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu and later became president of the DMK.

Rajamannar Committee on Centre-State relations

The DMK government appointed a committee under P. V. Rajamannar to study state autonomy and Centre-State relations.

State Autonomy Conference held in Madras

Periyar and leaders from other states joined a State Autonomy Conference in Madras called by Chief Minister Karunanidhi.

Assembly adopts state autonomy resolution

Chief Minister Karunanidhi moved a resolution in the Assembly demanding state autonomy, based on the Rajamannar Committee's recommendations.

Chief Ministers win right to hoist flag on Independence Day

Following Karunanidhi's demand, Chief Ministers won the right to hoist the national flag on Independence Day, and he did so at Fort St. George.

Joint Action Committee on fair delimitation meets in Chennai

Chief Ministers and leaders from several states met in Chennai at Stalin's call to oppose delimitation based only on population.