Archive · 16 Aug 2026
Tamil Nadu BJP Chief Faces Backlash Over CM Vijay Remark
A very important leader of a big political party in a part of India said something mean about another leader's mother.
His name is Nainar Nagenthran, and he is the chief of the BJP party in a state called Tamil Nadu.
He made the comment while giving a speech at a party event on Independence Day.
The comment was about the mother of the Chief Minister, whose name is Vijay.
In Indian politics, saying unkind things about someone's mother is seen as very rude and disrespectful.
Many people got angry, including leaders from his own party.
A woman leader from his own party said the remark made her feel sick and hurt.
Another former leader said such talk makes politics dirty and is not acceptable.
Mr. Nagenthran said people misunderstood his words and that he did not mean to hurt anyone.
He said he has great respect for all mothers.
BJP Tamil Nadu president Nainar Nagenthran faced backlash for a personal remark about Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay's mother.
He made the remark at a book release function at Kamalalayam, the BJP state headquarters in Chennai, on Independence Day, August 15, 2026.
Health Minister K G Arunraj said Nagenthran spoke like a 'third-rate street-corner speaker,' while former BJP leader K Annamalai and BJP functionary Khushbu Sundar condemned the remark.
This is the second controversy for Nagenthran, who earlier drew flak in February for linking Vijay with actress Trisha.
Nagenthran denied any ulterior motive, claiming his remarks were twisted and misrepresented for political gain.
- Who
- BJP Tamil Nadu president Nainar Nagenthran made the remark, drawing criticism from Health Minister K G Arunraj, former BJP leader K Annamalai, BJP functionary Khushbu Sundar, and TVK leader Rajmohan.
- What
- Nagenthran faced backlash for a personal remark about Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay's mother, made in response to Vijay's earlier Assembly anecdote about a 'missing father.'
- When
- August 15, 2026, on Independence Day.
- Where
- At a book release function at Kamalalayam, the BJP state headquarters in Chennai.
- Why
- Critics said the remark denigrated CM Vijay's mother and lowered the dignity of Nagenthran's post; Nagenthran claimed he had no ulterior motive.
Critics and Opponents
Nagenthran's Defence
Nature of the remark
Critics and Opponents
The remark was a crude, personal attack that denigrated CM Vijay's mother and violated political decency; it was 'disgusting' and unacceptable on any platform.
Nagenthran's Defence
Nagenthran said he was not targeting anyone with an ulterior motive, that his remarks were twisted for political gain, and that he holds immense respect for mothers.
Call for accountability
Critics and Opponents
Supporters of the DMK questioned whether the Vijay government would dare to arrest Nagenthran, as it had acted against Leader of Opposition Udhayanidhi Stalin for a remark inferred to link the CM with a film heroine.
Nagenthran's Defence
Nagenthran maintained his comments were misrepresented by those seeking political advantage and insisted he had no intention of denigrating anyone.
- Person Who Made Remark
- Nainar Nagenthran, BJP Tamil Nadu president
- Person Targetted
- Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay (remark about his mother)
- Date
- August 15, 2026 (Independence Day)
- Venue
- Kamalalayam, BJP state headquarters, Chennai
- Earlier Controversy
- February 2026 remark linking Vijay with actress Trisha
- Notable Critics
- K G Arunraj, K Annamalai, Khushbu Sundar, Rajmohan
- Nagenthran's Defence
- Claims remarks were twisted for political gain; says he holds immense respect for mothers
