Just as Muslims in certain regions where they are the majority have been accused of denying Hindus their rights, a similar trend now appears to be emerging among sections of the Christian community in Tamil Nadu, where minority appeasement under the so-called “Dravidian Model of social justice” seems to have emboldened religious bias.
A shocking incident from Kanyakumari district has stirred outrage after a Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation (TNSTC) bus conductor allegedly discriminated against a Hindu temple priest and his family. The conductor, identified as Antony from the Vivekanandapuram depot, has been reportedly, suspended following accusations of religiously biased behaviour towards Balasubramanian, a Hindu poojari, travelling with his wife and two sons on 10 November morning.
The incident occurred on a government bus (registration TN-74 N-2120) departing Tirunelveli New Bus Stand around 5 a.m. for Nagercoil. According to the temple poojari, the conductor announced that the bus would not enter Valliyur, stopping only at the bypass, explaining that “most passengers were Christians from Naalumavadi”, a Christian-dominated village known as the hometown of well known evangelist Mohan C Lazarus of the Jesus Redeems sect. When the priest questioned this deviation, the conductor allegedly said the bus would not pass through Valliyur “just for him”.
The poojari, wearing a Rudraksha mala and dressed in traditional attire, refused to alight, prompting tense moments on board. Eventually, the bus entered Valliyur, where the family staged a brief protest, attracting local residents. Police from Valliyur station intervened, pacifying both sides after nearly an hour.
Speaking to local media, Balasubramanian said, “The bus was not hired exclusively for Christians from Naalumavadi. All of us had tickets. The conductor also made offensive remarks, which I recorded on video.” He alleged that the conductor even mocked his appearance and attire.
Officials confirmed that a departmental inquiry has been launched following the priest’s formal complaint. They also noted that a similar incident had occurred earlier on the same route — on 31 August 2025, when both the driver and conductor were suspended for skipping Valliyur.
This incident took place within the Radhapuram Assembly constituency, represented by DMK leader and Tamil Nadu Speaker M. Appavu. Locals allege that certain TNSTC buses frequently bypass Valliyur despite it being a designated route.
Members of Hindu Munnani later visited the poojari to express solidarity, hailing his courage in standing up against “religious bias and hatred towards Hindus”.
In another instance, Hindu Munnani activists successfully foiled a reported attempt at religious conversion in Vedavakkam village, Chengalpattu district, where Christian missionaries allegedly approached MGNREGA workers and urged them to convert. Hindu activists confronted the group and prevented the alleged conversion bid.
Observers note that such incidents reveal a worrying pattern where, like certain sections of Muslims, a growing number of Christians appear to be asserting dominance in public spaces and challenging the rights of the Hindu majority. Critics warn that these acts, emboldened by Dravidian government’s minority appeasement, echo the medieval missionary zeal that once accompanied invasions under papal decrees.
Adding to tensions, the Madras High Court recently had to step in and allow Annadhanam (free food distribution) during the Kumbabishekam of Kaliyamman Temple in N. Panchampatti, Dindigul district, which was opposed by church groups claiming ownership of temple land.
“These are not isolated episodes,” said Hindu Munnani, warning that if such bias continues unchecked, “Tamil Nadu Hindus may soon face a new dark age reminiscent of the British or Mughal eras, unless they unite and assert their collective strength as a vote bank.”
