News Tamil Nadu

Part-Time Politician “Joseph” Vijay Who Called For Establishing Tamil As ‘Language Of Worship’ Attends Arabic-Language Iftar

March 8, 2025
The Commune

Full-time actor-turned-part-time politician C. Joseph Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) hosted a grand Ramzan Iftar at the YMCA grounds in Royapettah, Chennai, on Friday (7 March 2025) attended by nearly 3,000 people, including imams from 15 local mosques. Vijay, dressed in white and wearing a skullcap, participated in the prayers before breaking fast alongside Muslim attendees. Reports suggest he observed a full day of fasting and followed Islamic prayer customs before hosting the feast. The event was positioned as a display of brotherhood and inclusivity, with Vijay personally thanking attendees for their presence.

 

However, Vijay’s participation in Arabic-language prayers starkly contradicts one of the key resolutions passed at TVK’s recent party meeting in Panaiyur, Chennai. Among the 26 resolutions adopted, TVK called for Tamil to be established as the “language of worship” in Tamil Nadu. This raises a fundamental question: will Vijay’s demand for Tamil worship extend to non-Hindu communities, or is it merely an attempt to reshape Hindu traditions alone?

Currently, Hindu temple traditions in Tamil Nadu already incorporate Tamil hymns such as Thevaram and Naalayira Divyaprabandham alongside Sanskrit chants. Meanwhile, Islamic prayers, including the five daily azaans, are conducted exclusively in Arabic. If Vijay truly believes in linguistic uniformity, why does his party’s resolution not challenge the use of Arabic in Islamic worship?

TVK’s resolutions, which include opposition to NEET, the Governor’s role, One Nation One Election, and the Waqf Bill, largely mirror the DMK’s political playbook. However, Vijay’s selective application of the “Tamil as the language of worship” proposal suggests that this resolution is yet another attempt to interfere with Hindu religious practices while leaving other communities untouched.

Vijay’s actions at the Iftar make it clear that his push for Tamil in worship is not about linguistic pride but a politically motivated stance aimed at selectively reshaping traditions. Will he extend his demand for Tamil worship beyond Hindu temples, or is this yet another instance of double standards at play?

Subscribe to our channels on Telegram, WhatsApp, and Instagram and get the best stories of the day delivered to you personally.