Sebastian Simon, known as Seeman and the chief of Naam Tamil Katchi (NTK), has yet again ignited a firestorm of controversy with his recent statements, this time targeting linguistic minorities in Tamil Nadu. This comes on the heels of his previous incendiary remarks about religious minorities who vote en masse for DMK and Congress.
On 1 August 2023, Seeman drew widespread criticism for labeling Christians and Muslims as “children of Satan.” These remarks were made during a protest denouncing violence in Manipur. He singled out Christian and Muslim voters for their electoral choices, particularly their support for the Congress and DMK parties. Predictably, these comments were met with strong backlash from the DMK and its allies, with demands for an apology from Manithaneyam Makkal Katchi Chief M. H. Jawahirullah.
However, instead of offering an apology, Seeman remained defiant, stating that he wouldn’t apologize for his comments. He questioned whether the minorities would vote for him even if he did apologize, claiming that they had not supported him in the past and were unlikely to do so in the future. In an apparent attempt to regain some ground and woo minority communities, Seeman took a defensive stance on 3 August 2023. He asserted that he would use a slipper to hit anyone who referred to Christians and Muslims as minorities. Seeman contended that both communities were integral to Tamil Nadu, hailing them as “sons of the soil” who were true Tamils.
Having shifted his attention from religious minorities, Seeman has now targeted linguistic minorities in Tamil Nadu. During an interview with Puthiyathalaimurai, he remarked, “While the Constitution has granted certain privileges to minorities, how many Muslims or Christians have ascended to the positions of Chief Minister or Prime Minister in India since Independence? Can anyone from a minority religion become PM or CM in the next 100 years? The answer is likely no. Referring to Christians and Muslims as minorities does not translate into government concessions in GST tax. So, why continue to label them as such?”
Seeman continued, “Those who brand Christians and Muslims as recipients of government privileges, are themselves beneficiaries of linguistic minorities’ entitlements. What should I do about this? The same people who classify Christians and Muslims as minorities are from linguistic minority groups. They (religious minorities) are sons of the soil. You can change your religion but not your race.”
He further said, “You linguistic minority lunatics. It is us (Tamils) who have to protect you (linguistic minorities); Do not say that you will protect us. Do not say that you have given reservations to religious minorities. The reservation linguistic minorities enjoy is alms given by Tamils. You do not have the right to speak like that in Tamil Nadu.”
Seeman’s divisive speech targeting linguistic minorities has faced widespread backlash from the general public. His remarks are seen as inflammatory and provocative, further polarizing communities in the state.
(with inputs from Puthiyathalaimurai)
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