Sebastian Simon, the former Koliwood film director and founder of the political party Naam Tamizhar Katchi (NTK), commonly known as Seeman, has sparked controversy once again with his recent remarks. His inflammatory comments targeting Bharat Mata, the national personification of India as a mother goddess, have drawn widespread outrage from nationalist-minded individuals. Seeman’s statements hint at separatist ideologies by suggesting that India did not exist until the British invasion, thereby recycling historical narratives.
Seeman, renowned for his fervent speeches covering a range of topics from politics to economics and religion, has garnered attention, particularly among younger generations, for his articulate delivery style. However, scrutiny reveals inconsistencies in his statements. While championing Tamil pride one day by asserting Bhagwan Murugan as a Tamil deity, he may later contradict himself by suggesting Murugan’s origin lies in North India. Similarly, he has been observed praising Periyar at one moment and vehemently criticising him the next. Recently, Seeman expressed dissatisfaction with the Election Commission’s decision to allocate the symbol of a farmer to a political party based in Karnataka.
Addressing reporters in Chennai, Seeman expressed discontent over losing the ‘farmer’ symbol to another party in Karnataka. He criticised the Election Commission’s decision, arguing that the allocation of the lotus symbol to a political party could unduly influence voters, as the lotus is India’s national flower. Seeman disclosed that his request for the ‘peacock’ symbol was rejected on the grounds that it is the national bird. He vowed to ensure that the BJP loses the lotus symbol.
Responding to Seeman’s remarks, State BJP president K Annamalai questioned the relevance of linking NTK’s symbol loss to the BJP. He suggested that Seeman should have followed the proper procedure and applied for the symbol with the Election Commission, asserting that the BJP had no involvement in the matter.
During a recent event, Seeman took a jab at Tamil Nadu BJP leader Annamalai, ridiculing him for being granted Z security by the home ministry due to threats in the state. Seeman mockingly referred to Annamalai as a “Scared Chicken,” questioning his need for heightened security. He contrasted Annamalai’s security measures with his own fearless demeanor, stating, “Am I a scared chicken like my brother Annamalai?” Seeman also remarked that Annamalai seeks the same level of protection as the Chief Minister.
https://youtu.be/MTrsKdIaDm0
During a recent address, Seeman sparked controversy by making derogatory remarks about Bharata Mata, the national personification of India. He recounted a fabricated story involving a poster depicting an elderly woman portrayed as an Indian queen. Seeman questioned the notion of Bharatha Mata, stating, “Where was India in our grandmother’s time?” He went on to use offensive language to refer to Bharat Mata, suggesting that she did not exist during the time of his ancestors. Seeman emphasized the historical identity of Tamil Nadu and dismissed the concept of India, claiming that his ancestors only hailed Vetrivel Veeravel, not Bharat Mata Ki Jai.
உன் பாரத மாதா புடுங்குன மாதா எங்குட்டு டா இருந்தா ? – சீமான்
இவரை என்ன செய்யலாம் என்று சொல்லுங்கள் மக்களே.
இவரை ஆதரிக்கும் தேச பக்தர்கள் வெட்கப்பட வேண்டும். pic.twitter.com/TQuoBGMbv1
— CA ManianGopi (@maniangopi) March 8, 2024
Seeman, known for his tendency to fabricate stories, claimed, “This land was Tamil Nadu during my grandparents’ time. India, as we know it today, was formed by the white man by merging various provinces. Back then, my grandmother never uttered ‘Bharat Mata Ki Jai’; we only chanted ‘Vetrivel Veeravel’ as our rallying cry.”
Turning his ire on DMK (some say he is a B Team of DMK to avoid splitting of anti-DMK votes, said the ruling DMK Government, he pointed out the irony of claiming a lack of funds for repairing dilapidated schools while allocating 88 crores for constructing a mausoleum for his father, Karunanidhi. Ridiculing the Tamil Nadu electoral political scenario, he mocked, “During the sixty-year rule, have made my grandmother raise a hand for a thousand rupees, that is electoral politics, when the election comes, a thousand rupees to the head of the family, thirty rupees a day, can’t my mother earn thirty rupees? Didn’t you not make our mother beg for thirty rupees during this period? “Paradesi Payale”.
In 2013, police filed charges against Seeman, the founder-leader of Naam Tamilar Katchi (NTK), for causing a disturbance and disobeying public officials during a ‘remembrance meeting’ held in Cuddalore to commemorate the death anniversary of LTTE leader Prabhakaran. The event was prohibited by the police due to Seeman’s invitation to Jammu Kashmir Liberation Front chairman Yasin Malik. Seeman and his party have faced scrutiny for their alleged involvement in fundraising activities linked to the banned LTTE terrorist organization, prompting searches by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) on their premises.
In previous incidents, Seeman strongly advocated for the LTTE terrorist organisation and its deceased leader, Velupillai Prabhakaran. He has a history of being charged with sedition and detained under the National Security Act (NSA). In March 2023, he gained attention for making derogatory remarks against Hindi-speaking individuals and inciting violence towards them. Seeman’s threatening statements included assertions that Hindi speakers would quickly evacuate the area, and he expressed readiness to resort to physical violence against them.
All those who used fake videos to incite hate & violence must be dealt with as per the law.
But this doesn’t absolve those who’re openly calling for violence against #Hindi speaking people in #TN
Why no action against likes of @SeemanOfficial for their vitriolic utterances? pic.twitter.com/vyu2EkjBQu
— Prashant Kishor (@PrashantKishor) March 10, 2023
He presents himself as a Tamil nationalist and advocate for Tamil culture, often championing the interests of Tamilians. Seeman is known for his anti-north, anti-national stance, advocating for separate statehood for Tamil Nadu and promoting north-south divide ideologies. Despite being reportedly from Kerala and having Malayalam ancestry on his father’s side, he attempts to portray himself as Tamil. He has allegedly concealed his original Christian name, Sebastian, and adopted the name Seeman.
