Politics – Tamilisai Defends Periyar Photo Omission at NDA Rally
Politics – BJP leader Tamilisai Soundararajan on Monday defended the decision to exclude a portrait of social reformer Periyar E. V. Ramasamy from the entrance of a National Democratic Alliance public meeting held in Madurai, saying the choice reflected the organisers’ ideological position and sensitivity to Hindu sentiments.
Organisers’ Choice Reflects Ideology
Addressing reporters, Tamilisai Soundararajan said that the selection of images at political events is determined by those hosting the gathering and should not be viewed as an attempt to conceal any agenda. According to her, every political formation has the right to present symbols and figures aligned with its beliefs.
She questioned the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam’s stance on religious representation, asking why Hindu deities such as Lord Murugan and Goddess Kali are not displayed at DMK conferences despite the party’s repeated assertion that a majority of its cadre belong to the Hindu community.
“If a party claims to treat all religions equally, it must demonstrate that in practice,” she said, adding that public events often mirror the ideological foundations of the groups organising them.
Temple Visit and Ongoing Sentiments
Tamilisai also expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for offering prayers at the Arulmigu Subramania Swamy Temple in Madurai during his recent visit to Tamil Nadu. His visit came amid discussions surrounding a Madras High Court ruling that permitted devotees to light ceremonial lamps at the Deepa Thoon located atop the Thiruparankundram hill.
Referring to the issue, she said concerns among sections of the Hindu community have not entirely subsided. “Many people feel their religious sentiments were overlooked. The Prime Minister’s visit conveyed solidarity and reassurance,” she noted.
The court’s verdict had drawn attention across the state, with various groups expressing differing views on access and religious practices at the hill temple, a site of longstanding cultural and spiritual importance.
Political Landscape Ahead of 2026 Polls
The developments unfold as Tamil Nadu prepares for Assembly elections scheduled in the first half of 2026. The 234-member Assembly is expected to witness a competitive contest, with alliances already shaping their narratives.
Chief Minister M. K. Stalin’s DMK-led alliance is likely to campaign on its governance record, projecting what it describes as an updated version of the Dravidian development model. On the other hand, the BJP-AIADMK combine is expected to focus on issues related to governance, identity, and central-state coordination.
Actor-turned-politician Vijay has also entered the political arena with his party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), a move that analysts believe could alter electoral dynamics and potentially create a three-cornered contest.
Recall of 2021 Election Results
In the 2021 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, the DMK secured 133 seats, returning to power after a decade. Its ally, the Congress party, won 18 constituencies, while parties such as the Pattali Makkal Katchi and Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi added smaller numbers to the tally. Collectively, the Secular Progressive Alliance, led by the DMK, won 159 seats.
The National Democratic Alliance secured 75 seats in the same election, with the AIADMK emerging as the largest contributor within the coalition by winning 66 seats.
As political parties begin early positioning for the 2026 polls, debates over ideology, religious identity, and governance are likely to remain central themes in Tamil Nadu’s evolving political discourse.