Chennai: MDMK general secretary Vaiko on Sunday demanded that Tamil Nadu Governor Rajendra Arlekar resign immediately for “attempting to saffronise saint-poet Thiruvalluvar”. Vaiko, along with his party functionaries, protested at Saidapet in Chennai, against Arlekar for offering tributes to a portrait depicting Thiruvalluvar in saffron robes a few days back.
Addressing the protesters, Vaiko said Thirukkural contained no reference to any particular religion and said Thiruvalluvar belonged to all sections of society rather than any single faith. He emphasised that the saint-poet’s teachings transcend religious boundaries and are a universal guide for humanity. The MDMK leader criticised the governor for what he called an attempt to impose a particular religious identity on a secular icon.
As the protesters attempted to march towards Lok Bhavan, police stopped them and detained several party workers, including Vaiko. The demonstration was peaceful but turned confrontational when the crowd tried to breach police barricades. Authorities imposed Section 144 in the area to maintain order. Vaiko was later released after being held for a few hours.
The incident has sparked a political row in Tamil Nadu, with several opposition parties condemning the governor’s action. They argue that Thiruvalluvar is a symbol of Tamil culture and rational thought, and any attempt to associate him with a particular religion is an affront to the state’s secular ethos. The ruling DMK has also criticised the governor, demanding an apology.
Governor Arlekar has defended his actions, stating that he paid respects to Thiruvalluvar as a revered figure and that the portrait was a representation of the poet in traditional attire. However, Vaiko and other leaders insist that the saffron robes are a deliberate attempt to saffronise the icon and undermine Tamil identity.
