MLA Velmurugan from Tamilaga Vazhvurimai Katchi, an ally of the ruling DMK, has come under widespread criticism for making vulgar comments about girl students who attended actor-politician Vijay’s recent prize distribution event for board exam toppers in Tamil Nadu.
“For 2 gm gold, the idiot has taken this girl child to the event. Doesn’t he have sense? Tomorrow the girl is going to be someone’s wife. In front of the media and everyone, the girl child hugs the cinema actor. Is this Tamil culture? They all say Vijay Anna. If he acts well then limit it to just praising him,” Velmurugan, in a separate speech, said about the felicitation event.
The event in question was organised by Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) chief Vijay on May 30 to felicitate Class 10 and 12 board exam toppers, particularly from government schools. Several students were seen embracing Vijay on stage, which Velmurugan questioned publicly, calling it contrary to Tamil culture.
BJP leader Tamilisai Soundararajan condemned Velmurugan’s comments, calling them vulgar. Shesaid, “I condemn your vulgar speech. TVK president Thambi (Brother) Vijay organised a programme to encourage students who have passed the exams. Sometimes I have differences with the political views he expresses, but I welcome the fact that he met more students studying in government schools and encouraged them, as someone who knows their thirst for knowledge.”
She further said, “Tamil is beautiful, your (Velmuruan) mind is dirty. Children calling him ‘Anna’ (Brother) is only an expression of love in Tamil. This is a call beyond politics. But insulting that relationship not only hurts the hearts of those children but also the hearts of the parents who support them. What you are doing is neither displaying Tamil culture nor humanity. I strongly condemn Thiru Velmurugan’s vulgar speech.”
The remarks and ensuing backlash come days after Tamilisai tacitly extended an invitation for Vijay to join the National Democratic Alliance (NDA). Her strong defence of Vijay amid the controversy has further fuelled speculation about the BJP’s interest in courting him.
Meanwhile, Velmurugan issued a clarification in a tone some have described as threatening, claiming only a small portion of his speech is being used to attack him. He said, “Some half-bakeds are seeking my apology instead of fully listening to my over-an-hour long speech and releasing statements and making noise. Don’t do this.”
“I am saying this in a civilised manner. I didn’t come to politics directly,” he said, adding. “My young life started with those who sought a separate nation and fought against the extremism of the Union government. Did I say anywhere that Vijay kissed a young woman? Or behaved in an odd manner on the stage where gifts were given? I didn’t say anything. Why are you taking it in such a manner?”
Velmurugan went on to say Vijay should not allow ‘mushrooms’ to criticise his party members and suggested that if there was an objection to his speech, those concerned should hold a press meet and question him directly, rather than asking “amateurs” to post videos on social media. “Vijay should stop this immediately,” he said.