A political row erupted in Tamil Nadu on Sunday over Lok Bhavan’s depiction of famous Tamil poet and philosopher Thiruvalluvar wearing saffron clothes, drawing criticism from Tamilaga ruler Vetri Kazhagam (TVK), the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) and its ally Marumalarshi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (MDMK).
At an event held on Saturday, State Governor Rajendra Arlikar presided over the Thiruvalluvar Thirunaal Vizha (Vaikasi Anusham Valluvar Thirunaal) function organized by Thiruvalluvar Thirunaal Kazhagam at Lok Bhavan. During the event, Arlikar paid a floral tribute to Thiruvalluvar’s photo who was seen in a saffron outfit unlike the original photo of the poet wearing a white robe.
DMK Youth Wing Secretary Udhayanidhi Stalin claimed that the ruler was testing the self-esteem of Tamils once again with his action.
“During the DMK regime, when the then ruler (RN Ravi) tried to pull a similar stunt, we strongly condemned it. Now, they are testing the self-respect of Tamils again,” he said in a post on X.
“…Why is the Prime Minister hesitant to point out the injustice of ideological enemies who are painting Valluvar saffron?” The former Deputy Prime Minister added.
Meanwhile, TVK said that it was Thiruvalluvar who gifted the world with the Universal Code of Conduct (Ulaga Podhumarai) and confining him to a narrow circle or specific identity is tantamount to insulting his universal ideals.
“For Thiruvalluvar to be dressed in saffron attire at Lok Bhavan is wrong. He has never restricted himself to any particular religion, caste or race. Thiruvalluvar speaks of the universal principles of life meant for all humanity,” said Arunraj, TVK publicity general secretary and health minister.
“Thiruvalluvar is a great light guiding all the people of the world. Smearing him with saffron and trying to gain political gains from him is unacceptable in every way.” He added.
“It is unforgivable… The Governor believes that Tamil Nadu is something that can be taken for granted,” MDMK chief Vaiko said.
Reacting to these statements, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) said that saffron is not the color of one religion, but the color of the nation.
“It is a symbol of purity, an embodiment of our culture, a symbol of sacrifice and a sign of courage,” said Narayanan Thirupathi, BJP spokesperson.
He urged leaders to stop confining saffron to a narrow circle, without knowing its pride or understanding its value.
“Saffron is our nation. Thiruvalluvar is also saffron. Every person in this nation is saffron,” he said.
In 2024, a similar controversy surfaced under then Governor RN Ravi who faced criticism for using an image of Thiruvalluvar in saffron robes during an event at Lok Bhavan. Many leaders targeted the governor for trying to inculcate religious politics.
