Thiruvalluvar depiction controversy arises during PM Modi’s Chennai visit

A political controversy has emerged in Tamil Nadu following the Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) decision to depict the Tamil poet and philosopher Thiruvalluvar in saffron attire during a welcome event for Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Porur, Chennai.

The Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) has criticized the move, asserting that the BJP cannot claim ownership of Thiruvalluvar by associating him with a specific religious color. The TVK maintains that the poet’s philosophy, as expressed in the Thirukkural, transcends religious, caste, and political boundaries.

Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Chennai included the inauguration of the Poonamallee-Vadapalani Metro Rail corridor and a visit to the IIT Madras campus. During his trip, he was scheduled to inaugurate various development projects and address a gathering at the institute.