BJP in Tamil Nadu is missing no chance to project itself as the protector of Hindus
BJP leaders in Tamil Nadu seem to be working zealously to raise issues that can be woven into their Hindutva narrative. They have come a long way from the time when the old guard only sells the BJP “as a party that has a different and far from pretentious elements” and is hesitant to announce its pro-Hindu agenda. At that time, Jayalalithaa and Karunanidhi dominated the politics of the state.
The current crop of leaders is missing no chance to establish themselves as protectors of Hindus whose interests are being compromised by the ruling DMK. Currently it rests on 12th class girl student studying in institute run by Christian missionary dies by suicide As a resident prisoner in Thanjavur district. Though the police arrested a sexagenarian warden under the Juvenile Justice Act after the girl alleged that she was forced to work in the hostel, the issue took a political turn when a 45-second video clip surfaced. In the clip, the girl is heard saying that “two years ago”, her parents were asked if they would convert her to Christianity. A male voice is heard asking “So because you didn’t convert, they harassed you?” To this she replies, “Maybe”.
referring to MoviesThe BJP has launched a statewide protest alleging that the school attempted to “forcefully convert” the girl and is “demanding justice” for a “Tamil Nadu Hindu girl”. BJP state president K. Annamalai has rejected Thanjavur Superintendent of Police Ravali Priya’s statement that there was no religious angle to the girl’s death. Party leaders want the school where many Hindu students study, to be shut down. The matter is sub-judice as the girl’s parents are demanding a CB-CID probe in the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court. Acting on the complaint of a BJP member, the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights has sought a report from the Director General of Police.
Incidentally, three days before the girl’s death, BJP leaders were furious over a satirical show on a Tamil television channel in which two children, playing the role of a king and a minister, mocked demonetisation and disinvestment. Shri Annamalai said that L. Murugan, his predecessor and now Minister of Information and Broadcasting (I&B). Assured of action for “insulting” the prime minister as the show, The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting issued a notice to the TV channel citing a complaint by a BJP functionary.
The credit for giving a fresh boost to the Hindutva agenda goes to Mr. Murugan. Shortly after he was appointed BJP state president during the COVID-19 pandemic, he raised the issue of a small Tamil YouTube channel insulting Kanda Shashthi Kavasam, a sacred hymn sung in praise of Lord Muruga , which is considered “Tamil Hindu”. God”. He Vetri Well Yatra startedLord Muruga is moving from one abode to another, hoping to consolidate the “Hindu vote”. Several BJP leaders shared pictures and videos of them performing ‘puja’ for their newly purchased ‘vel’ (spear of Lord Muruga) at their homes. Essentially, Lord Muruga replaced Lord Rama in Tamil Nadu for a limited purpose in the BJP’s plans. Its ally, the AIADMK, in power, declared a holiday for Thai Poosam (a festival when Lord Muruga is pleased). Incidentally, the DMK has not tinkered with this religious holiday, perhaps not wanting to give the BJP another chance to allege prejudice against Hindus.
Noting that the voters had rejected Jayalalithaa’s attempts to polarize the Hindu vote and forced her To repeal the anti-conversion law And Animal sacrifice banned in templesIt has to be seen whether the BJP’s efforts now yield political benefits or not.
(Help for overcoming suicidal thoughts is available at the state’s health helpline 104 and Sneha’s suicide prevention helpline at 044-24640050.)
Sureshkumar.d@thehindu.co.in
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