BJP Demands Removal of Vijay-Modelled Ganesha Idols in Chennai
Tamil Nadu BJP chief Nainar Nagenthran demanded the removal of Ganesha idols modelled on Chief Minister Vijay in Chennai, alleging misuse of religious festivals for political gain.
A political row has erupted in Tamil Nadu over Ganesha idols reportedly modelled on Chief Minister and Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) president Vijay, installed at Korukkupet in Chennai.
State BJP chief Nainar Nagenthran on Tuesday demanded that the idols be removed immediately, arguing that reshaping a deity revered by millions for political messaging and personal glorification offends the spiritual feelings of devotees. He described such acts as deserving of the strongest condemnation.
The BJP leader also accused the TVK leadership of quietly permitting party workers to turn religious festivities into an election campaign platform, and questioned why the Chief Minister had not spoken out against such practices. According to Nagenthran, the absence of any comment from Vijay has allowed what he called boundary-crossing behaviour to continue.
Seeking administrative and legal action, Nagenthran urged the state government to take down the statues and called for the arrest of the organisers responsible. He said the idols had been placed in a manner that hurt religious sentiments and worship traditions.
Sources in the TVK said workers have been instructed to remove the statues. Local fans are reported to have been installing such idols for the past eight years.
The episode has renewed focus on the use of political imagery during public festivals in Tamil Nadu, where large Vinayagar idols are commonly installed by local groups and carried in processions before immersion.