COIMBATORE/CHENNAI: Vijay-starrer Jana Nayagan came into sharp focus on Tuesday as Congress leader Rahul Gandhi accused the Centre of mounting an assault on culture, democracy, and the people’s voice. Accusing the I&B Ministry of “attempting to block” the film, Gandhi said it was an attack on Tamil culture and asserted that PM Modi would never succeed in “suppressing the voice of the Tamil people.”

His remarks came a day after the Jana Nayagan producer approached the Supreme Court, challenging an interim order of the Madras High Court that stayed a single-judge direction to grant CBFC clearance to the film. In a post on X, Gandhi said the move reflected growing intolerance towards regional voices and cultural expression.

Later, addressing a school function at Gudalur in The Nilgiris, Gandhi alleged that India’s democratic structure and institutions were under threat from those in power. He claimed institutions such as the Election Commission were being attacked and people threatened for dissenting views, urging the youth to be brave, confident and unafraid of asking questions.

Responding to students, Gandhi stressed strengthening manufacturing for national development, warning that over-reliance on IT faces challenges from artificial intelligence. He also called for greater investment in education and affordable schooling.

Gandhi, who arrived from Mysuru, received a traditional tribal welcome and participated in Samathuva Pongal celebrations at the school.