Joseph Vijay’s Iftar Attendance Triggers Controversy Over His Tamil-Only Worship Stance
TVK Hosts Grand Iftar Event in Chennai
Actor-turned-politician C. Joseph Vijay, founder and president of Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), hosted a grand Ramzan Iftar at the YMCA grounds in Royapettah, Chennai, on March 7, 2025. The event saw a massive turnout of nearly 3,000 attendees, including imams from 15 local mosques.
Vijay, dressed in white and wearing a skullcap, actively participated in the prayers before breaking his fast alongside Muslim attendees. Reports suggest that he observed a full day of fasting and followed Islamic prayer customs before hosting the feast. The event was framed as an effort to promote brotherhood and inclusivity, with Vijay personally expressing gratitude to those present.
Contradiction with TVK’s Tamil-Only Worship Resolution
While Vijay’s Iftar participation was seen as a gesture of unity, it has also sparked criticism due to its apparent contradiction with one of TVK’s key resolutions.
At its recent party meeting in Panaiyur, Chennai, TVK passed 26 resolutions, one of which called for Tamil to be established as the “language of worship” in Tamil Nadu. This has led to questions about whether Vijay’s push for Tamil in religious practices extends to all communities or is selectively aimed at Hindu traditions.
Currently, Hindu temples in Tamil Nadu already incorporate Tamil hymns such as Thevaram and Naalayira Divyaprabandham, alongside Sanskrit chants. In contrast, Islamic prayers, including the five daily azaans, are conducted exclusively in Arabic. This raises a crucial question:
If TVK is advocating for linguistic uniformity in worship, why hasn’t it addressed the continued use of Arabic in Islamic religious practices?
Political Implications and Selective Implementation
Many of TVK’s recent resolutions—including opposition to NEET, the Governor’s role, One Nation One Election, and the Waqf Bill—closely align with the DMK’s political stance. However, Vijay’s selective approach in advocating Tamil for worship has led to allegations that his proposal is targeted primarily at Hindu traditions, while other religious practices remain unaffected.
His participation in Arabic-language prayers at the Iftar event has intensified skepticism over his true motives. Critics argue that his Tamil-only worship stance is not about linguistic pride but rather a politically motivated move to selectively alter religious traditions.
Double Standards or Genuine Inclusivity?
Will Vijay extend his demand for Tamil in worship beyond Hindu temples, or is this yet another example of selective political posturing?
- Religion World Bureau
