Rahul Gandhi Accuses PM Modi of Attacking Tamil Culture Over Vijay Film

Congress leader and Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi has accused the Central government of deliberately obstructing the release of actor Vijay's film Jana Nayagan, describing the move as a direct assault on Tamil culture. In a post on X, Gandhi targeted Prime Minister Narendra Modi, stating that the Information and Broadcasting Ministry's actions aim to silence the voice of the Tamil people. He asserted that such attempts would ultimately fail, framing the issue as an attack on regional identity and expression.

The controversy stems from the Central Board of Film Certification's handling of Jana Nayagan, Vijay's purported final film before fully entering politics with his newly launched party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam. Submitted for certification on December 18, the film underwent examination, received recommendations for 27 cuts, and was granted a U/A certificate on December 22. However, following a complaint, the CBFC referred it to a revising committee on January 5, delaying the planned January 9 release and prompting legal action by the filmmakers.

The Madras High Court initially directed the CBFC to issue the certificate, but a division bench stayed that order upon appeal by the board. The film's team has now approached the Supreme Court challenging the stay. Meanwhile, the ruling DMK in Tamil Nadu has criticised the Centre and BJP for allegedly exerting pressure through prolonged censorship objections, claiming the usual certification process takes only a few days.

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The BJP responded sharply, dismissing Gandhi's allegations as falsehoods propagated by a habitual liar. Spokesperson CR Kesavan highlighted the Congress-led UPA government's past opposition to Jallikattu, which it labelled barbaric, leading to a ban that was later lifted under Prime Minister Modi's support. Kesavan further accused Gandhi of selective memory, citing instances during the Emergency when films and songs faced bans, including a Tamil film delayed for 15 years under a Congress government.

Kesavan argued that Gandhi's remarks expose the Congress party's persistent intent to undermine democratic institutions and divert attention from the internal conflicts plaguing the DMK-Congress alliance in Tamil Nadu. He predicted that voters would reject this partnership in upcoming elections, characterising it as opportunistic and unstable. The ongoing legal battle and political accusations have intensified debates over censorship, cultural representation, and centre-state relations in the film industry.

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