Chennai: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and TVK leader C Joseph Vijay has triggered fresh political controversy after paying tribute during the death anniversary remembrance of former LTTE chief Velu Pillai Prabhakaran . Vijay’s remarks made during Mullivaikkal Remembrance Day events have sparked intense debate in Tamil Nadu politics and posed a sensitive challenge for the Congress party.
In a message posted on X, Vijay said, “The memories of Mullivaikkal will remain in our hearts forever. We will always stand with our Tamil brothers and sisters across the sea in their struggle for rights and dignity.”
May 18 is observed by many Sri Lankan Tamils across the world as Mullivaikkal Remembrance Day, marking the final phase of the Sri Lankan civil war in 2009, when thousands of Tamil civilians were killed. The date also marks the death anniversary of LTTE leader Prabhakaran during the final military offensive by the Sri Lankan Army.
The remarks have become politically sensitive because the LTTE remains a banned organisation in India following its involvement in the assassination of former Prime Minister Rajeev Gandhi in 1991. Indian investigative agencies had identified the LTTE and Prabhakaran as key conspirators in the assassination case.
Political observers say Vijay’s statement places the Congress party in a difficult position in Tamil Nadu politics. Congress has historically maintained a strong anti-LTTE stand due to Rajiv Gandhi’s assassination, while Tamil nationalist sentiments surrounding the Sri Lankan Tamil issue continue to hold emotional significance in the state.
The statement triggered strong reactions on social media and among Congress supporters. Critics argued that “indirect glorification” of a leader associated with the assassination of Rajiv Gandhi was unacceptable. However, Vijay’s supporters defended him, saying his message was about solidarity with Sri Lankan Tamils and not an endorsement of militancy or violence.
This is not the first time Vijay has spoken about the Sri Lankan Tamil issue. During an earlier speech in Nagapattinam, he had stated, “It is our responsibility to stand as the voice of Eelam Tamils wherever they are in the world.”
The Sri Lankan Tamil issue has long remained emotionally influential in Tamil Nadu’s political landscape. While parties such as the DMK and AIADMK have generally avoided openly pro-LTTE positions in recent years, Vijay’s comments are being viewed by some analysts as a sign of a new political strategy aimed at appealing to Tamil nationalist sentiments.
So far, the national leadership of the Congress party has not officially responded to Vijay’s remarks. However, political observers believe the issue could have wider implications in national politics as well, especially if the controversy escalates further.
