Andal remarks: Case filed against Vairamuthu

Recently, Vairamuthu in a function in Srivilliputhur, organised by a Tamil Daily, had quoted a research work and said that Andal herself was a devadasi. The comments had created several controversies and a section of people were infuriated by his speech. Several protests were staged against the poet and the Tamil Daily.

Meanwhile, in Chennai, Information Minister ‘Kadambur’ C Raju on Saturday came to the support of Brahmins and lashed out at the poet. A day after the Tamil Nadu Brahmin Association (TAMBRAS) and people of the community at various parts of the state agitated against Vairamuthu, the minister said those belonging to the DMK had always indulged in degrading Hindu religion.

They are moving on the same path shown by DMK leader M Karunanidhi, he said. However, MDMK general secretary Vaiko backed Vairamuthu and said the poet had only lauded the Vaishnavite saint and her contribution to Tamil literature. Vairamuthu had also apologised for the controversial portion in his speech. Vaiko said making obscene calls to the poet and handing out murder threats is condemnable.

Suicide drama

In the city, a man attached to Tamil Nadu Hindu Temples Association threatened to jump from the fourth floor of a building in Anna Nagar demanding action against lyricist Vairamuthu. Sathishkumar, who held a saffron flag, was brought down after Anna Nagar Assistant Commissioner Gunasekar and other officials held talks with him.

Meanwhile, petitions filed against Vairamuthu at City Police Commissionerate have been forwarded to the respective stations.

Chintadripet inspector said that the complaint will be forwarded to Madurai, where the controversial article was published.