News Tamil Nadu

Vijay’s TVK Flag Stirs Controversy: BSP Threatens Legal Action Over Elephant Symbol

August 22, 2024
The Commune

Kollywood actor Vijay has found himself in hot water just before releasing his party’s official flag for the Tamizhaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK). The flag, which features a striking combination of yellow and red, prominently displays two elephants and the alleged Vaagai flower. However, this design has raised concerns because the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), a national political party, uses a similar elephant symbol. BSP representatives are now calling for removing or modifying the elephants on the TVK flag, threatening legal action if their demands are not met.

Vijay Launches TVK Flag, Anthem

Vijay launched TVK in February 2024 and intends to run in the 2026 assembly elections. After General Secretary Bussy Anand officially registered the party with the Election Commission of India on 2 February 2024, Vijay remained relatively inactive in the political sphere.

Instead, the actor focused on issuing statements for birthdays and other similar occasions, which led to online criticism and mockery of his political ambitions. Even then, his involvement was limited to traditional Dravidian party stances in Tamil Nadu. Finally, amidst growing criticism from netizens, Vijay eventually participated in a student appreciation “meet-and-greet” function organized by TVK, marking his engagement with the party.

On 21 August 2024, Vijay announced that he would unveil his party’s official flag the following day, much to the delight and excitement of his fans. The next day, he hoisted the TVK flag at the party’s office in Panaiyur. The flag, adorned with red and yellow, prominently features two elephants flanking a Vaagai flower, symbolizing victory. Additionally, Vijay introduced the party’s new song during the event.

TVK Flag Controversy

Online critics are mocking TVK for their lack of knowledge and basic research. Critics pointed out that despite claims of safeguarding Tamil heritage, the party seems confused about the difference between the Vaagai flower and the monkey pod flower. They also seem ignorant about the difference between Asian and African elephants which feature on the flag.

They went on to say TVK had copied the “Fevicol ad”. This has led to humorous trolling of the party on social media.

BSP Objections Over TVK Flag

Meanwhile, the BSP is taking a more serious approach.

The Mayawati-led party has condemned using the elephant symbol on TVK’s flag. BSP claims the TVK flag symbol violates election regulations because it is similar to the BSP’s blue elephant emblem. The BSP Tamil Nadu unit has issued a warning demanding the immediate removal of the elephant imagery from Vijay’s flag. They have threatened to file a complaint with the Election Commission and pursue legal action if their demands are unmet.

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