States » SouthPosted at: Oct 11 2026 8:19PM


Saffron-clad Tamil poet Thiruvalluvar display at Modi event revivies row

Chennai, Oct 11 (UNI) A depiction of Saint Tamil poet and philosopher Thiruvalluvar in saffron attire featured in the welcome arrangements by BJP to welcome Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Porur bypass Metro station in Chennai on Sunday, reviving
a controversy that had surfaced time and again, especially uring the previous DMK regime, strong opposition for saffronising the
poet.
None of the political parties, including the main Opposition DMK, has reacted to it so far.
The display was part of the BJP's preparations to welcome Modi, who arrived in Chennai from Delhi to participate in several official programmes including the launch of the first stretch of the second phase of Chennai Metro Rail project, where he flagged off the first train from Porur to Poonamallee bypass Metro station in the presence of Chief Minister Vijay.
The portrayal of Thiruvalluvar in saffron attire has drawn political ire in Tamil Nadu, where attempts to associate the revered poet with
a particular religious identity have drawn objections.
The display was part of BJP's preparations to welcome Modi's marking his first visit to Tamil Nadu since the TVK government assumed office.
During the previous DMK government, the saffronisation of Thiruvalluvar became a point of contention between the DMK and the BJP. The DMK objected to portrayals that it viewed as attempts to project the poet as belonging to a particular religious tradition, maintaining that Thiruvalluvar was a common cultural icon of the Tamil people.
The controversy also surfaced during the tenure of R.N. Ravi as Tamil Nadu Governor under the DMK regime. His participation in official functions featuring Thiruvalluvar against a saffron background drew criticism from the DMK and other sections, who questioned the religious symbolism associated with the poet's image.
Thiruvalluvar, the author of the tamil couplet Thirukkural, is revered for his teachings on virtue, ethics, governance and human relationships. His religious identity has long been debated, while his literary legacy transcends political and social divisions and the Prime Minister almost made it a point in referring to his couplets, saying they were still relevant in this modern era.
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