Chennai : Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) has criticised the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) over the saffron depiction of Tamil poet and philosopher Thiruvalluvar, accusing the party of attempting to associate a widely revered cultural figure with a particular ideological identity.
The controversy erupted after a depiction of Thiruvalluvar in saffron attire at an event linked to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Chennai on Sunday sparked criticism. TVK said the poet belongs to all Tamils and should not be claimed by any particular political or ideological group.
TVK Says Thiruvalluvar Belongs to All Tamils
In a strongly worded statement, TVK condemned attempts to portray Thiruvalluvar in saffron and associate him with a narrow ideological identity.
The party said such efforts went against the principles of aram, the Tamil concept of virtue and righteousness, and deserved condemnation.
“Thiruvalluvar belongs to the entire Tamil-speaking world and is a common figure for all Tamils across the globe,” the party said in its statement.
TVK added that it would continue to stand up for the Tamil language, Tamil people and their cultural identity. It also warned that people in Tamil Nadu would reject attempts to undermine the state’s linguistic and cultural heritage.
BJP Accused of Associating Poet With Saffron Symbolism
TVK described Thiruvalluvar as a figure whose literary and philosophical legacy transcends political and ideological boundaries.
The party argued that attempts to associate the poet with saffron symbolism risk narrowing the cultural significance of a personality revered across the Tamil-speaking world.
Invoking the principle of aram, TVK stressed that Tamil Nadu has a distinct moral and cultural identity that must be respected.
The statement also reiterated the party’s commitment to protecting Tamil language and cultural rights, describing it as a matter of principle rather than political positioning.
Who Was Thiruvalluvar?
Thiruvalluvar, also known as Valluvar, was a celebrated Tamil poet and philosopher best known for writing the Tirukkural, one of the most influential works of classical Tamil literature.
The Tirukkural comprises 1,330 couplets divided into three broad sections covering virtue, wealth and governance, and love. Its teachings explore ethics, justice, social conduct and human relationships.
The work remains an important part of Tamil literary and cultural heritage, with its moral teachings extending beyond religious and political boundaries.
Controversy Follows Modi-Vijay Meeting in Chennai
The controversy emerged a day after Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay appeared together at the inauguration of the first operational stretch of Chennai Metro Rail Phase II on Sunday, October 11.
The Prime Minister inaugurated the approximately 15-kilometre Poonamallee–Vadapalani stretch, built at a cost of around ₹4,900 crore. Modi and Vijay also travelled together on the newly inaugurated Metro corridor.
During the visit, Modi reiterated the Centre’s commitment to Tamil Nadu’s development and said the Union government would provide the assistance required to help the state reach greater heights.
He also emphasised cooperation with Chief Minister Vijay in advancing Tamil Nadu’s development agenda.
The Thiruvalluvar controversy has added a cultural dimension to the political developments surrounding the Prime Minister’s visit. TVK’s statement has placed the protection of Tamil identity and the interpretation of the state’s cultural symbols at the centre of the latest political debate.
