Tamil Nadu: VCK Leader Thol Thirumavalavan calls BJP and Sangh Parivar ‘sanatan terrorists,’ sparks outrage

Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) who is founder and Lok Sabha MP Thol Thirumavalavan has once again stirred controversy with his remarks, referring to members of the BJP and Sangh Parivar outfits as “Sanatan terrorists.” Thirumavalavan made these comments during the presentation of the ‘VCK Awards 2024’ in Chennai, evoking strong reactions from right-wing parties.

Speaking at the event, Thirumavalavan accused followers of the Hindutva ideology of being ‘Sanatan terrorists,’ drawing parallels to the Congress’s earlier usage of the term ‘Saffron Terror.’ He emphasised that unlike Marxist-Leninist militants, whom he described as hiding in forests and living clandestine lives, these ‘Sanatan terrorists’ are openly living within communities, bearing weapons and posing a threat.

“Sanatan terrorists will take any position. They will make any decision. Those belonging to the ML movement carry weapons, hide in forests, and live a life of secrecy. Sanatan terrorists are living within our houses and roaming around with weapons,” Thirumavalavan stated. He further alleged that these individuals have created an environment where they can commit violent acts with impunity.

Thirumavalavan referenced the assassinations of prominent figures such as Gauri Lankesh, Kalburgi, Narendra Dhabolkar, and Govind Pansare, attributing these acts to ‘Sanatan terrorists’ and accusing the establishment of orchestrating such atrocities.

The VCK leader presented the annual ‘Ambedkar Sudar’ award to actor Prakash Raj at the event. Other awards included ‘Semmozhi Gnayiru’ to Y. Subbarayulu, ‘Quaid-E-Millath Pirai’ to S.N. Sikkandar, ‘Periyar Oli’ to advocate Arulmozhi, ‘Marx Maamani’ to R. Mutharasan, ‘Ayotheethasar Adhavan’ to Raj Gowthaman, and ‘Kamarajar Kathir’ to Ezra Sargunam.

Thirumavalavan’s comments have drawn sharp criticism from right-wing parties, who have denounced his remarks as inflammatory and divisive. The BJP and other associated groups have called for action against Thirumavalavan, accusing him of inciting hatred and communal discord.

The VCK leader said “They’re not running and hiding anywhere, and don’t live a life of clandestine. Like how Maoists hide in Andhra forests, they don’t hide. They’re on stage, with Ministers. They roam around with weapons. In such kind of a situation, people like Prakash Raj should be protected. It has been my concern. Even if he says that there’s no need of any award, I wanted to shake his hand, wish him and encourage him. I wanted to tell him to be careful, that’s why I took this initiative.

Karnataka-born actor Prakash Raj, known for his outspoken criticism of the BJP and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has once again ignited controversy with his recent comments. Speaking at an event where he received an award from Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) leader Thol Thirumavalavan, Raj referred to PM Modi in derogatory terms, describing him as a “test tube baby” and accusing him of being disconnected from the plight of the common man.

“Modi is not a son of God, avatar or incarnation. He is a test tube baby,” Raj remarked. He further criticized the Prime Minister, saying, “See the fascist. He is a dictator. He comes in a pushpak vimanam, in temple cars or rathams, and people shower flowers on him jokingly. When will he understand our hunger? He does not know the perils of the public. He never saw the sweat of the common and poor man. Will he ever understand this?”

Raj’s comments, which were met with both applause and condemnation, continued as he accused Modi of sowing seeds of division during his ten-year rule and critiqued a Supreme Court judge with RSS ties for delivering biased judgments. “We should be prepared to take on Modi jointly,” Raj asserted.

The actor, who identifies as an atheist but professes belief in Jesus, has a history of making provocative statements against the BJP and its affiliates. His recent remarks have been labeled as “hate speech” by critics, who argue that his language was undignified and inflammatory.

Thirumavalavan, who hosted the event, has also faced backlash for his association with Raj. Critics point out that Thirumavalavan, who seeks to expand VCK’s influence in Karnataka, has taken contradictory stances on the Cauvery water dispute, opposing the Karnataka Congress government on the issue while advocating for Karnataka’s drinking water needs in Bengaluru.

The controversy has highlighted a perceived double standard in the actions of the DMK government, which, according to critics, takes action against social media activists who criticize the government and its allies but overlooks incendiary remarks made by its own leaders and their associates. Thirumavalavan himself has been accused of making inflammatory statements, including derogatory comments about Hindu women and advocating for the demolition of temples to make way for Buddhist statues.