Rahul Gandhi Accuses BJP of Attacking Tamil Culture Over Jananayagan Censor Block
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi strongly criticized the BJP-led Union government on Tuesday. He accused it of attacking Tamil culture by blocking the release of actor-politician Vijay's movie Jananayagan through the censor process.
Gandhi's Direct Message to Modi on Social Media
Rahul Gandhi posted his statement on X. He wrote, "The I&B ministry's attempt to block Jananayagan is an attack on Tamil culture. Mr Modi, you will never succeed in suppressing the voice of the Tamil people." This public support for Vijay is not new for Gandhi.
In 2017, he backed the actor when the film Mersal faced trouble for criticizing Union government policies. Gandhi also reached out to Vijay quickly after the Karur stampede. He offered condolences and solidarity during a period of intense scrutiny.
Congress MPs Rally Behind Gandhi's Stand
Gandhi's intervention received immediate backing from Congress MPs Manickam Tagore and Vijay Vasanth. Both politicians have been vocal about the Jananayagan issue. They reposted Gandhi's message, asserting that pressure from the Centre would not weaken Tamil cultural expression.
Political analysts noted the timing of Rahul's statement. It came on the same day he visited Tamil Nadu. It also coincided with aggressive posturing by some Congress leaders demanding a coalition government. These leaders used Gandhi's statement to strengthen their demand.
TNCC President Rejects Electoral Interpretations
Tamil Nadu Congress Committee president K Selvaperunthagai rejected such interpretations. He insisted Rahul Gandhi's stand was rooted in defending democratic values, not electoral calculations. Selvaperunthagai recalled similar statements by AICC in-charge Girish Chodankar and a formal TNCC release on the issue.
He alleged, "The Modi government has repeatedly used agencies such as the ED, CBI, the Income Tax department and even the Election Commission. Now the CBFC is being used to intimidate those perceived to be entering political understandings."
AICC Leader Highlights Institutional Weaponization
AICC leader Praveen Chakravarthy echoed this view. He said Gandhi's remarks should not be seen through the prism of alliance politics. Chakravarthy stated, "Rahul Gandhi is highlighting how institutions are being weaponised. Diwali and Pongal releases are integral to Tamil culture. Why is this happening to just one film during the Pongal season?"
Chakravarthy also dismissed speculation of strain within the ruling INDIA alliance. He affirmed, "The INDIA alliance remains strong. There is absolutely no doubt about that."
