AIADMK unhappy with BJP for using MGR in its Vetrivel Yatra teaser Saffron Party Equates MGR With Modi

AIADMK unhappy with BJP for using MGR in its Vetrivel Yatra teaser

Saffron Party Equates MGR With Modi

Julie.Mariappan@timesgroup.com

Chennai:29.10.2020

The ruling AIADMK and its ally, the BJP, crossed swords over the use of former chief minister M G Ramachandran’s photograph in the teaser of Vetrivel Yatra, a month-long public outreach programme. The BJP says it is aimed at celebrating the “tall Dravidian leader”.

A three-and-a-half minute teaser being circulated widely on social media comes ahead of state president L Murugan’s launch of yatra in Tiruttani on November 6. A photograph of MGR sporting his charming smile against the backdrop of the lotus symbol appears in a flash with a background narrator drawing a parallel between ‘Ponmanachemmal’, as MGR is popularly known, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

“Modiji also follows the path of MGR and does good work just like MGR did and remains popular among women,” BJP state president L Murugan said, justifying the comparison. The party is all set to promote the teaser extensively in the coming days, with Union ministers and national leaders joining the programme in six Muruga temples.

The ruling AIADMK is furious given that attempts were made recently by ‘mischievous’ elements to drape MGR statues with saffron shawls. Chief minister Edappadi K Palaniswami had condemned the act as “shameful and barbaric,” while his deputy, O Panneerselvam put out a strongly worded statement. AIADMK deputy coordinator K P Munusamy said no other party can usurp the MGR legacy.

The BJP leaders say the party was only celebrating the AIADMK founder, who was well ahead of his times with his national mindset. “He was pro-Hindu, and a nationalist, who prefixed the All India tag to the party. A Dravidian leader, who diluted the anti-Hindu perspective and upheld the nationalist principles,” said BJP state general secretary Prof Raama Sreenivasan. “We celebrate MGR and will continue to respect him. MGR is near and dear to us,” said Sreenivasan. The party had earlier “celebrated” national icons like Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, Nethaji Subash Chandra Bose and Lal Bahadur Shastri and late Congress leader K Kamaraj too.

But the AIADMK is far from happy about the BJP’s move. “MGR is ours. He is our founder leader,” AIADMK minister D Jayakumar said, asking the BJP to turn to its own leaders. Former minister and AIADMK spokesman Vaigai Chelvan said the AIADMK had been continuing on the path laid down by the charismatic leader. The photographs of leaders of the other parties can be used in campaigns only after alliances are cemented, he said.

The ruling AIADMK is furious given that attempts were made recently by ‘mischievous’ elements to drape MGR statues with saffron shawls