On August 3, 2024, the Sir PT Thiyagarajan Auditorium in Chennai hosted the release of Kasi Anandan’s book, “Breaking the Chains” (Vilangai Udaithu). The event featured Thol Thirumavalavan, leader of the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK), who used the occasion to elaborate on his views regarding Tamil nationalism and its enemies. Thirumavalavan praised Kasi Anandan, a prominent figure in the Tamil Eelam movement, comparing him to LTTE leader Velupillai Prabhakaran, and highlighted the ongoing struggle for Tamil Eelam.
In his address, Thirumavalavan explored the concept of Tamil nationalism and its opposition to various forms of nationalism. He questioned whether Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam, or Indian nationalism posed the primary threat to Tamil nationalism. Thirumavalavan argued that Indian nationalism, which opposes the creation of linguistic-based national identities, inherently conflicts with Tamil nationalism. According to him, the real enemy is any ideology that rejects linguistic-based identity and state autonomy, drawing a parallel with Buddhist Sinhalese nationalism in Sri Lanka, which he views as a key adversary to Tamil nationalism.
The VCK leader’s remarks extended to a controversial comparison of Hamas to freedom fighters. He asserted that successful liberation movements, including Tamil Eelam and Hamas, require backing from sovereign governments. Hamas, a Palestinian Sunni Islamist group that has governed parts of the Gaza Strip since 2007, is known for its militant activities and has been designated a terrorist organisation by several countries, including the United States and European Union. Thirumavalavan’s comparison has sparked significant debate, as many view Hamas’s violent actions, including the October 7, 2023, attack on Israel, which resulted in over 1,100 deaths and numerous captures, as acts of terrorism.
Thirumavalavan argued that liberation movements, even if they operate independently, often benefit from the support of a sovereign government. He suggested that just as Tamil Eelam required international support, Hamas’s struggle is also bolstered by backing from certain governments. This comparison has drawn criticism from various quarters, with opponents arguing that it equates a recognised terrorist organisation with legitimate freedom struggles.
The controversy surrounding Thirumavalavan is not unprecedented. He has previously made statements that have attracted widespread criticism. In 2017, he claimed that Manusmriti, a Hindu text, described Hindu women in derogatory terms and alleged that Shiva and Perumal temples were constructed by demolishing Buddhist viharas. Thirumavalavan suggested that a Buddha Vihara should be constructed at prominent Hindu temple sites, such as Srirangam and Tirupati. These statements were met with strong reactions from Hindu groups and the general public.
Further adding to the controversy, Thirumavalavan has expressed a desire to replace Hindu temples with mosques across India. He has also advocated for the rebuilding of the Babri Masjid, a contentious issue in Indian politics. In 2019, he organised a conference titled ‘Uproot Sanatana Dharma,’ where he promoted the idea that Abrahamic religions are superior due to their proselytising nature. His comments on Hindu deities and scriptures have been provocative, challenging traditional Hindu beliefs and practices.
Thirumavalavan’s remarks on structures like mosques, churches, and Hindu temples have also drawn criticism. He has made statements suggesting that structures with domes are mosques, those with towers are churches, and those with “vulgar figurines” are Hindu temples. His statements about the birth of Hindu deities and the nature of Hindu temples have been controversial and have fueled debates about interfaith harmony and the role of religion in Indian society.
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