CHENNAI: Former deputy chief minister Udhayanidhi Stalin on Saturday condemned Tamil Nadu governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar over the portrayal of Thiruvalluvar in a saffron robe in Lok Bhavan, accusing him of insulting Tamil sentiments and questioning the silence of the TVK government on the issue.
Udhayanidhi's Condemnation
"The state government officially celebrates Thiruvalluvar Day in January, but where has this new claim that Vaikasi Anusham is Thiruvalluvar Day come from? My strong condemnation to those insulting Thiruvalluvar and the sofa model government that permits it," Udhayanidhi said on X. A portrait of Thiruvalluvar with a saffron robe was kept at Lok Bhavan to celebrate Vaikasi Anusham. Udhayanidhi said that similar attempts by governors during the DMK regime were strongly opposed by the party and said efforts were once again being made to provoke the self-respect of Tamils.
Allegations of Insult to Tamil Identity
The DMK youth wing secretary contended that portraying Thiruvalluvar in saffron robes amounted to an attempt to alter the traditional image of the revered Tamil poet. He criticised the TVK government for not responding strongly to the controversy. Referring to the recent debate over the rendering of Tamil Thai Vazhthu at official functions, he said Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay should not hesitate to question actions that, according to him, undermine Tamil identity and the legacy of Thiruvalluvar.
Udhayanidhi further questioned why the chief minister was reluctant to speak out against what he described as an injustice while remaining silent on law and order issues. The controversy has sparked a political debate in Tamil Nadu, with opposition parties demanding action against the governor for what they see as a deliberate provocation.
The governor's office has not yet responded to the allegations. Meanwhile, the TVK government is facing pressure from various quarters to clarify its stance on the issue and ensure that the traditional image of Thiruvalluvar is preserved.
