BJP uses MGR pic, ADMK says: use your own leader’s
A senior BJP leader said there was nothing wrong in using MGR's photograph, adding that his was a life that could not be confined to a political party.
Pointing to aggressive, targeted testing, EPS said that Tamil Nadu was conducting the maximum number of RT-PCR tests in the country.
The AIADMK has criticised ally BJP for using a photograph of M G Ramachandran (MGR), AIADMK founder and actor, in a video to promote its “Vel Yatra”. “Don’t they have a leader of their own,” asked senior AIADMK minister D Jayakumar, adding that no other party has the “moral right to use MGR’s image”.
The three-minute music video, released by the state BJP unit’s cultural wing last week, shows a photograph of MGR, while the Tamil lyrics refer to Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a “hamsam” (denoting messenger) of “Ponmanachemmal”, a name popularly used to refer to MGR in political rallies and party literature.
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The “Vel Yatra”, celebrating Lord Muruga, is being seen as an attempt to consolidate Hindu votes in the state, especially among Muruga devotees who are largely from backward communities. Beginning from November 6, state BJP chief L Murugan will lead the month-long programme to visit prominent Muruga temples in the state. BJP president J P Nadda is expected to visit the state as part of the programme.
“Don’t they have a leader of their own? Why do they use our leader’s picture? MGR is our leader, who founded the party and who wished the victory of AIADMK in the state. No other party has the moral right to use his image,” said Jayakumar, who is often deputed as the spokesperson of the party and state cabinet.
Murugan was not available for comment on Tuesday. However, responding to questions on using MGR’s photograph, he had said earlier that Modi follows the path of MGR and works for the people.
A senior BJP leader said there was nothing wrong in using MGR’s photograph, adding that his was a life that could not be confined to a political party.
Meanwhile, the Opposition, including Dalit party VCK leader Thol Thirumavalavan and Left parties, has accused the BJP of trying to instigate communal tension in the state through its “Vel Yatra”. While the police have denied permission for political meetings during the rally, senior officials said they cannot deny permission for a few vehicles to visit some temples.
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Countering the criticism, Murugan, the state BJP chief, has said: “The Opposition is repeating the word communal riots. Do they have plans to orchestrate communal issues during our yatra?”
Jayakumar has warned against any attempt to “trigger communal tension”. “This state remains a heaven of peace. Any attempt, by any party, to disrupt the peace or trigger communal tension will be dealt with with an iron fist,” he said.
Arun Janardhanan is an experienced and authoritative Tamil Nadu correspondent for The Indian Express. Based in the state, his reporting combines ground-level access with long-form clarity, offering readers a nuanced understanding of South India’s political, judicial, and cultural life - work that reflects both depth of expertise and sustained authority.
Expertise
Geographic Focus: As Tamil Nadu Correspondent focused on politics, crime, faith and disputes, Janardhanan has been also reporting extensively on Sri Lanka, producing a decade-long body of work on its elections, governance, and the aftermath of the Easter Sunday bombings through detailed stories and interviews.
Key Coverage Areas:
State Politics and Governance: Close reporting on the DMK and AIADMK, the emergence of new political actors such as actor Vijay’s TVK, internal party churn, Centre–State tensions, and the role of the Governor.
Legal and Judicial Affairs: Consistent coverage of the Madras High Court, including religion-linked disputes and cases involving state authority and civil liberties.
Investigations: Deep-dive series on landmark cases and unresolved questions, including the Tirupati encounter and the Rajiv Gandhi assassination, alongside multiple investigative series from Tamil Nadu.
Culture, Society, and Crisis: Reporting on cultural organisations, language debates, and disaster coverage—from cyclones to prolonged monsoon emergencies—anchored in on-the-ground detail.
His reporting has been recognised with the Ramnath Goenka Award for Excellence in Journalism.
Beyond journalism, Janardhanan is also a screenwriter; his Malayalam feature film Aarkkariyam was released in 2021. ... Read More
