Tamil Nadu Social Justice Minister and VCK Deputy General Secretary Vanni Arasu, who publicly identifies himself as an atheist and follower of EVR, has come under scrutiny over questions about his religious identity and continued Scheduled Caste status. The controversy has resurfaced after DMK leader R.S. Kiruthika Devi shared a photograph of a church wedding, describing it as being from Vanni Arasu’s family, while Vanni Arasu has also been seen participating in Christian events and reciting Bible verses.
The issue is significant because Vanni Arasu represents Tindivanam, an Assembly constituency reserved for Scheduled Castes, and serves as the State’s Minister for Social Justice and Adi Dravidar Welfare.
Attended Church-Related Event & Quotes Verses From Bible
Vanni Arasu has in recent months after becoming a minister in the TVK government made a series of public statements at a Christian gathering that go considerably beyond merely attending a Christian event. At a 9 June 2026 meeting organised by the Tamil Nadu Christian Churches Federation, he addressed bishops, evangelists and members of the Christian community and spoke extensively about Christianity and Christian political mobilisation.
During the event, Vanni Arasu spoke about Jesus in personal terms, referring to “our Jesus” and saying that Jesus had provided a roadmap for liberating people from oppression. He then quoted Galatians 3:28 from the Bible and used it to draw a parallel with the Constitution.
He also spoke of the need for greater political mobilisation among Christians, comparing the political mobilisation of Christians with that of Muslims. He said there was a need to politically sensitise Christians and described the government as one committed to protecting minority communities.
More importantly, the minister explicitly backed the demand that Dalits who convert to Christianity should continue to retain Scheduled Caste status and reservation benefits.
Vanni Arasu said VCK had consistently demanded that Christians who had converted from the Dalit community should retain their identity and status within the Scheduled Castes list. He said he would raise the demand with Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay in his capacity as Social Justice Minister.
He further said the government would take forward the demand to include Dalits who had converted to other religions in the SC list and pledged to stand by the Christian community until the demand was achieved.
Father Was Buried As Per Christian Traditions
In 2021, Vanni Arasu shared a photo of his father’s burial as per Christian traditions.
This post is withheld in India for some reason.
While he claims to be an atheist, he is able to dole out Bible verses without a hitch, buries his father in a coffin, has family members married off in churches and attends such weddings, how is it possible that he continues to be an atheist who says ‘Our Jesus’ without hesitation?
Yes, his wife is a Christian, and her family may also be Christians. And the wedding in question could very well be her side of the family.
With all this proof, the onus is on Vanni Arasu to prove he is not a Christian and is true to his conscience when competing in the reserved seat category at Tindivanam.
It is noteworthy that the Supreme Court has upheld an order saying that a Scheduled Caste person loses his SC status once they have converted out of Hinduism.
So, is Vanni Arasu really a Christian? Should the EC not investigate this?
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