When those who swear by the name of Ambedkar practice untouchability

On September 6, a person named T. Amarnath from Zee Tamil channel reportedly called Ma. Venkatesan, a Dalit scholar and a spokesperson of BJP Tamil Nadu, to invite him to the launch of a series on Babasaheb Ambedkar and speak about the visionary leader for their ‘Tamizh Tamizha’ show anchored by film director Karu Pazhaniappan.

Ma Venkatesan had inquired about the details of the programme like who are the participants, what will be the format of the show, how much time does one get, etc. The person had mentioned that it would not be a debate but a show where each person shares their thoughts and views on Dr. Ambedkar. He was told that they were on the talks with other leaders too. The BJP spokesperson had confirmed his participation and was told that the shooting for the show would happen on September 20 and that they would be reaching out to him soon to work out other formalities.

“However, there was no call after that.”, Ma. Venkatesan said.

The programme was aired on September 21. Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) head Thol. Thirumavalavan, VCK leader Aloor Shanavas, DMK spokesperson ‘Tamilan’ Prasanna, separatist Thirumurugan Gandhi, Sundaravalli of the Communist Party, Senthil who was recently expelled from News 18 Tamil Nadu had participated in the show.

“It is an easy guess about what these members would have spoken about Babasaheb. While an Islamist was invited to a show on Ambedkar who was dead opposed and brutal critic of Islam, someone who has written a book on the lesser known side about Ambedkar was washed off conveniently.” Ma. Venkatesan said speaking to The Commune.

Ma. Venkatesan had called T. Amarnath but he would not pick up. He had later called his literary and media circles to inquire about why he was not invited.

It was told that the organizers and other leaders were not okay with Ma Venkatesan being invited as he would talk about Ambedkar’s critical views on Islam and Christianity, his position on Sanskrit, Kashmir, etc., which would not suit their ideology and construct of Ambedkar.

“Apparently, the other guests including Karu Pazhaniappan had told that none of them would come if I participate”, Ma. Venkatesan said.

He says that like other Tamil channels, the hegemony of Dravidianists and communists exist in Zee Tamil too.

“This is their form of untouchability and these people claim to be followers of Ambedkar!”, Ma. Venkatesan said condemning the treatment meted out to him.