Actor-politician Vijay’s floral tribute to Periyar on birth anniversary irks BJP

Actor-turned-politician Vijay’s floral tribute to the iconic social reformer EV Ramasamy Periyar has ignited a political storm, drawing sharp criticism from BJP leaders. The actor, known for his mass appeal and rising political ambitions, paid homage to Periyar at the Periyar Thidal in Chennai, marking the rationalist leader’s 146th birth anniversary on Tuesday.
In a rare public appearance, Vijay garlanded Periyar’s statue and issued a statement that celebrated the legacy of the Dravidian movement’s founder. “He sowed awareness within people chained by caste and religious oppression. He destroyed segregation based on birth using the concept that all are born equal,” Vijay remarked, emphasising Periyar’s fight for social justice, women’s empowerment, and secularism. “On his birthday anniversary, let us pledge to follow the path of women’s rights, education, and social justice shown by him.”

However, the BJP’s reaction was swift and scathing. Amar Prasad Reddy, a BJP functionary, took to social media, posting an AI-generated image that portrayed Vijay stepping on a pile of dirt.
“So, Actor Joseph Vijay is playing Anti-Hindu politics. No wishes for Vinayakar Chaturthi but a tribute to an atheist,” Reddy posted on X, stoking the controversy further.
Adding to the criticism, former Telangana governor and senior BJP leader Tamilisai Soundararajan accused Vijay of aligning himself with Dravidian ideologies. “We don’t need another party in the colours of the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK). We need one with national colours,” Soundararajan said. “I thought Vijay would take a different path, but even before beginning, he didn’t wish for Vinayakar Chaturthi,” she added, referring to his perceived neglect of Hindu traditions.