1 hr ago
Vijay-Themed Ganesh Idols Trigger Political Row In Tamil Nadu
Some Ganesha statues in Chennai were reportedly made to look like Vijay.
Vijay leads the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam party and is Tamil Nadu’s chief minister, according to the report.
BJP leader Nainar Nagenthran said the statues disrespected religious feelings.
He also said they were being used to promote politics.
He asked officials to remove the statues quickly.
He further called for action against the people who organised them.
TVK sources said workers had been told to remove the statues.
The report says local fans have installed similar statues for about eight years.
Tamil Nadu BJP chief Nainar Nagenthran demanded removal of Vijay-themed Ganesha idols in Korukkupet, Chennai.
Nagenthran accused Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam workers of using religious festivities for political promotion.
Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam sources said workers had been instructed to remove the statues.
Local fans have reportedly installed similar statues during the past eight years.
The BJP leader sought administrative and legal action against the organisers, including arrests.
- Who
- Tamil Nadu BJP chief Nainar Nagenthran, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam workers and local fans are involved in the controversy.
- What
- Ganesha idols allegedly modelled on Vijay prompted demands for their removal and legal action against organisers.
- Where
- Korukkupet in Chennai, Tamil Nadu.
- When
- The demand was made on Tuesday; the report does not specify the date.
- Why
- Nagenthran said the statues allegedly used a sacred festival for personal glorification and political promotion, offending religious sentiments.
BJP criticism
TVK reported response
Use of religious imagery
BJP criticism
Nainar Nagenthran said the Vijay-themed idols cheapened spiritual sentiments and turned a sacred festival into political advertising.
TVK reported response
TVK sources said workers had been instructed to remove the statues; the report gives no broader public response from the party or Vijay.
Responsibility and official action
BJP criticism
The BJP leader questioned Vijay’s silence and urged authorities to remove the idols and arrest the organisers.
TVK reported response
The report says local fans had installed similar statues for eight years, while TVK sources indicated removal instructions had been issued.
Key facts
- Location
- Korukkupet, Chennai
- Religious figure
- Ganesha, also called Vinayagar
- Political figure depicted
- Vijay
- Demand
- Immediate removal of the statues
- Political critic
- Nainar Nagenthran, Tamil Nadu BJP chief
- Reported TVK response
- Workers were instructed to remove the statues
- Reported duration
- Local fans have reportedly installed similar statues for eight years
Quotes
Nainar Nagenthran
Tamil Nadu BJP chief
“I strongly urge and demand that the TVK government immediately remove such statues placed in a manner that disrupts people's religious sentiments and worship traditions. Appropriate legal action must be taken against the misguided administrators who used divine images for their self-promotion, and they must be arrested.”
NDTV
“By turning a sacred festival into a platform for political self-interest and degrading divine worship into an election campaign, the silence maintained by Chief Minister Mr Joseph Vijay from the very beginning on those who commit such acts is the reason these boundary-crossing actions continue.”
NDTV
Sources
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