At a fiery rally in Tamil Nadu, actor-turned-politician Vijay ignited debate by describing LTTE leader Velupillai Prabhakaran as “like a mother” to Eelam Tamils, vowing to fight for their rights and the survival of fishermen alike.
Tamil Nadu actor and political leader Vijay has drawn sharp attention after making a controversial statement at an election rally in Nagapattinam, voicing solidarity with Sri Lankan Tamils and invoking the memory of LTTE leader Velupillai Prabhakaran.
Speaking to a large crowd, Vijay declared that Prabhakaran, the LTTE chief accused of plotting the assassination of former Indian Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, was “like a mother” to the Tamil people of Sri Lanka. He said, “No matter where in the world we are, our relatives, the Tamil people of Eelam, are suffering due to the loss of a leader who showed them motherly affection. Therefore, it is our duty to speak up for them.”
The remarks were reported by NDTV and immediately stirred political controversy. The issue of Sri Lankan Tamils remains sensitive in Tamil Nadu, especially in coastal districts like Nagapattinam where the fishing community has long expressed solidarity with Eelam Tamils.
Vijay’s political activism on this front is not new. In 2008, he participated in a hunger strike in Chennai to demand justice for Sri Lankan Tamils. However, commentators noted that supporting Tamil rights and praising the LTTE, a banned organization in India, are two different matters that could spark wider debate.
Alongside his comments on Prabhakaran, Vijay emphasized his commitment to addressing the long-standing challenges faced by Tamil Nadu’s fishing community. He criticized the ruling M.K. Stalin government, stating that his party would not limit itself to “writing long letters” but would actively seek solutions.
Concluding his speech, Vijay said, “The lives of fishermen are important. But the lives of the Tamils of Eelam are equally important to us.” His remarks have amplified discussions on the intersection of Tamil Nadu politics, Sri Lankan Tamil rights, and the controversial legacy of the LTTE.
