CHENNAI: The Tamil Nadu Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has lodged a formal complaint with the Greater Chennai Police Commissioner against Thirumurugan Gandhi, founder of the May 17 Movement, for labelling Ashoka Chakra awardee Major Mukund Varadarajan as a “war criminal” during a recent press conference. The BJP accused Gandhi of making statements that undermine national sovereignty, incite separatism, and spread anti-national sentiments.
This controversy arose after the release of Amaran, a biopic on Major Mukund Varadarajan, which has received widespread appreciation from the public and political figures alike, including Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin and actor Rajinikanth. However, opposition has emerged from some fringe groups, including the May 17 Movement, Dravidian parties, and Muslim organisations, which criticised the film’s portrayal of the Indian Army and the Kashmir conflict.
Statements by Thirumurugan Gandhi Spark Outrage
During a press meet on November 8, 2024, at the Chennai Press Club, Gandhi condemned the biopic, alleging that it painted Kashmiri people in a negative light. He claimed the film distorted history by portraying those fighting for Kashmir’s land rights as terrorists. Gandhi also referred to Kashmiri terrorist leaders as “freedom fighters” and accused Major Mukund Varadarajan of being a “war criminal” for his counter-insurgency operations in the region.
இந்த ஹார்பிக்வாயனை முன்பே தேச துரோக சட்டத்தில் கைது செய்து சிறையில் அடைக்காமல் வளர விட்டு வேடிக்கை பார்ப்பதும்
அவனுக்கு மேடை அமைத்து குடுத்து அவனது தீய கருத்துக்களை மக்களிடையே தீயசக்தி மீடியாக்கள் பரப்பவிட்டு வேடிக்கை பார்ப்பதும்
யாருடைய தவறு? 😡😡
— SM 🇮🇳 (@Manin_Kaavi) November 9, 2024
In addition, Gandhi criticised the portrayal of Indian Army soldiers chanting “Jai Bajrangbali” in the film, dismissing it as a communal misrepresentation. He ignored the fact that this is the official battle cry of military units like the Rashtriya Rifles and Rajput Regiment, stirring further controversy.
BREAKING திருமுருகன் காந்திக்கு இடியாய் இறங்கிய செய்து. .. இராணுவம் சும்மா விடாது. ..! புயலாய் வந்து இறங்கிய ஆப்பு! pic.twitter.com/XWy3MbIlgI
— Krishnaraj (@Krishna73674119) November 13, 2024
TN BJP Leaders Condemn Gandhi’s Remarks
BJP leaders in Tamil Nadu, including State Secretary A Ashvathaman, MLA Vanathi Srinivasan, spokesperson ANS Prasad, and H Raja, strongly condemned Gandhi’s remarks. They accused him of tarnishing the reputation of a martyr who made the ultimate sacrifice for the nation. BJP State Secretary Ashvathaman filed a formal complaint against Gandhi, accusing him of treason and incitement under Section 152 of the Indian Penal Code.
இந்திய இறையாண்மைக்கு எதிராகவும், பிரிவினையை தூண்டும் விதத்திலும் பேசியுள்ள திருமுருகன் காந்தி என்ற நபர் மீது புகார் அளித்துள்ளேன். @JPNadda @blsanthosh @MenonArvindBJP @ReddySudhakar21 @annamalai_k @HRajaBJP @KesavaVinayakan @dinamalarweb @ANI @PTI_News @polimernews… pic.twitter.com/MU5ytEPXo1
— Ashvathaman Allimuthu (@asuvathaman) November 13, 2024
“Thirumurugan Gandhi’s remarks are not just an insult to Major Mukund Varadarajan but a direct attack on the integrity of our armed forces. His statements promote anti-military sentiment, which poses a grave threat to national security,” Ashvathaman stated. He also alleged that a previous complaint against Gandhi for similar offenses had gone unaddressed.
Support for Major Mukund Varadarajan
Retired Lt. Col. N. Thiagarajan took to social media to condemn Gandhi’s statements. “Labeling a brave soldier and Ashoka Chakra awardee as a ‘war criminal’ is disgraceful. Major Mukund Varadarajan eliminated a terrorist and protected our nation’s sovereignty. This insult cannot be tolerated,” he posted on X (formerly Twitter). He urged Defence Minister Rajnath Singh to take immediate action against Gandhi.
As Senior Vice President of Akhil Bhartiya Poorva Sainik Seva Parishad TN (ABPSSP), I request @adgpi and @rajnathsingh to take swift and decisive action against @thiruja2009 for maligning our martyrs. #HonorOurMartyrs #AshokaChakraHero #Amaran #ThirumuruganGandhi@timesofindia
— Lt Col N Thiagarajan Veteran (@NTR_NationFirst) November 12, 2024
The BJP’s criticism was echoed by Indu Makkal Katchi founder Arjun Sampath, who accused fringe outfits like the May 17 Movement of distorting the Indian Army’s contributions and spreading misinformation to further divisive agendas.
Political and Social Backlash
The controversy surrounding Amaran has reignited debates over Tamil Nadu’s polarized political and cultural landscape. The biopic faced criticism from Manithaneya Makkal Katchi (MMK) leader M. Jawahirullah, who accused the film of spreading “negativity” and distorting history. Jawahirullah likened Tamil Nadu’s fight for state rights to Kashmir’s struggle for land rights, drawing parallels with controversial films like The Kashmir Files and The Kerala Story.
Protests against the film, however, have failed to overshadow its widespread popularity. The movie, which chronicles Major Mukund Varadarajan’s valor and sacrifice, has resonated with audiences across Tamil Nadu, with many praising its portrayal of patriotism.
Allegations of DMK Involvement
BJP leaders have alleged that Thirumurugan Gandhi is being supported by the ruling DMK to advance its political agenda. They claim that Dravidian media is portraying Gandhi as a nationalist and human rights activist to distract from the controversy. BJP MLA Vanathi Srinivasan accused the DMK of enabling anti-national narratives through fringe groups like the May 17 Movement.
Thirumurugan Gandhi has been a polarizing figure, frequently in the news for his contentious statements and alleged support for anti-national movements. In 2017, he was booked under the UAPA for expressing solidarity with the Palestinian cause during a public meeting. His May 17 Movement has long been associated with pro-LTTE sentiments and calls for Tamil Eelam.
Scarlet Heart, a social media handler, criticized Gandhi’s latest remarks, stating, “Thirumurugan Gandhi, who advocates for Tamil Eelam, Palestinians, Kashmiris, and Sikhs, has crossed all limits by branding late Indian Army veteran Major Mukund Varadarajan as a ‘war criminal.’ His problem with the war cry ‘Bol Bajrangbali ki Jai’ reflects his bias against the Indian Army.”
Broad Condemnation
Leaders across the political spectrum have denounced Gandhi’s remarks. Lt. Col. N. Thiagarajan took to social media to express his outrage. “Strongly condemn the disgraceful remarks by Thirumurugan Gandhi. Labeling a brave soldier and Ashoka Chakra awardee as a ‘war criminal’ is an insult to our armed forces and the sacrifices they make. Action must be taken immediately to hold him accountable.”
Other BJP leaders, including MLA Vanathi Srinivasan, spokesperson ANS Prasad, and H Raja, have echoed these sentiments, accusing Gandhi of attempting to create communal and regional tensions.
BJP leaders have alleged that Gandhi’s remarks are part of a larger political agenda supported by the ruling DMK. They claim that the DMK has been covertly backing Gandhi to further its regional aspirations. Gandhi’s reference to DMK MLA T. Velmurugan in his speech has added fuel to these allegations. Gandhi had expressed confidence that Velmurugan would push for a separate Tamil Nadu foreign policy in the state assembly.
Call for Immediate Action
The BJP has called on the Tamil Nadu government and law enforcement agencies to take immediate action against Gandhi. “Delaying action against such divisive elements will only embolden them further. His speeches are damaging the unity and sovereignty of the nation,” said Ashvathaman.
Social media platforms have been flooded with posts condemning Gandhi, with many urging Defence Minister Rajnath Singh to intervene. Lt. Col. Thiagarajan has appealed for Gandhi to face legal consequences for defaming the Indian Army and spreading false narratives.
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