Madurai: The TVK govt will continue efforts to secure the release of archaeologist Amarnath Ramakrishna’s Keeladi excavation report and expand archaeological research across the state, school education minister Rajmohan said after inspecting the Keeladi museum on Sunday.He told reporters that the govt would pursue the issue with Archaeological Survey of India and submit scientific evidence required to establish the findings. “This ideological battle will continue,” he said, responding to a question on the report submitted to the Union govt in 2023 but is yet to be released.Rajmohan said Keeladi should not be viewed merely as the achievement of a community speaking one language, but as archaeological evidence that should be scientifically established before the world. Referring to the drainage systems associated with Harappa and Mohenjo-daro, he said Keeladi had also revealed arrangements for sewage disposal and drinking water. The govt would persist with the process regardless of the years it took, and hold discussions with ASI through prescribed channels, he added.Rajmohan said the govt would undertake more excavations, allocate additional funds and expand research activities compared to the previous administration. On questions over his recent foreign travel, the minister denied violating any rule and said he had obtained permission from the ministry of external affairs before travelling.Since there was insufficient time to obtain a diplomatic passport, he travelled on his personal passport after securing a visa from the US embassy, he said, adding the govt had already clarified on the matter.Responding to AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami’s criticism of party functionaries joining TVK, Rajmohan said Tamil Nadu was yearning for good leadership. “We will embrace everyone. But after they enter, only the rule of law will prevail,” he said, adding that the govt would continue on the policy path of former chief minister K Kamaraj.
