The AIADMK-BJP ties have come under strain in the light of recent controversies over Kanda Sashti Kavasam, a compilation of Tamil hymns in praise of Lord Murugan, and the draping of a saffron shawl around the statue of AIADMK founder M.G. Ramachandran in Puducherry. The visible discord has prompted many to wonder whether this episode will lead to separation between the allies before the Assembly elections, scheduled for April-May next year.

Also read: Karuppar Koottam, Hindu Peravai members held under Goondas Act

Conceding that there are differences in the way they view the rows, the parties say they will, however, stick to their tie-up. The respective position of each of the parties under the existing circumstances need not be viewed in terms of electoral considerations, according to their spokespersons.

Also read: Hindus will no longer be fooled by Dravidian ideology, says L. Murugan

It all started with a little-known group called Karuppar Kootam (Group of Blacks) hosting content on social media about the Tamil devotional work, which is regarded by the BJP, a few political parties and sections of Hindus, as an act of blasphemy.

While accusing the DMK of providing tacit support to the group, the national party is not happy with the ruling party either. Neither the AIADMKs coordinator [O. Panneerselvam] and co-coordinator [Edappadi K. Palaniswami] nor the DMKs leader [M.K. Stalin] condemned the Karuppar Kootam for its action, which has hurt the dignity of Tamil women too, T. Narayanan, spokepserson of the BJP, observes.

Even the police action [arresting four persons purportedly belonging to the group and booking one under Goondas Act] came four days after us giving a complaint and exerting pressure. We need more action, as we believe there are more people behind this group. We need more action, he goes on.

Contrasting the passive approach of the AIADMK on this issue with how the ruling partys leadership reacted strongly and almost instantaneously to the MGR statue row, Mr. Narayanan says that while he is not holding a brief for those behind the statue incident if the intention is to cause trouble, his party does not see anything amiss with regard to the use of saffron shawl per se. Saffron is a symbol of purity and, after all, MGR was not an atheist.

However, Kovai Sathyan, the ruling partys spokesperson, says his party cannot be expected to react to certain events the way the BJP responds. Their [the BJPs] political style is inclined towards religious polarisation but my partys is different. We, the AIADMK, are known as a secular party, favouring all sections of society. Our philosophy is based on what Anna [former Chief Minister C.N.Annadurai] had set out and Puratchi Thalaivar and Amma [MGR and Jayalalithaa] had followed egalitarianism, social justice and rationalism.

At the same time, the ruling party is fulfilling its responsibility by taking action that is required to ensure maintenance of law and order. And we have done it with an iron hand, he says, recalling how the police, exactly a year ago, arrested a man in Kumbakonam for posting an invitation on social media for a beef eating event.

Mr. Sathyan explains that the BJP may view the Kanda Sashti Kavasam row as a political opportunity, but the AIADMKs approach is to ensure that no law and order problems arise, maintaining peace and and public order.

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Analysis | AIADMK-BJP ties under strain after recent controversies - The Hindu