Politicos seek apology and Mutt clarifies seer was meditating

The footage of the seer sitting on the chair while the invocation to Tamil was being played went viral in the social media on Wednesday, drawing sharp criticism from several quarters. Political leaders including MK Stalin, S Ramadoss, Vaiko, K Veeramani and Thol Thirumavalavan demanded an immediate apology from the pontiff, while some of the outfits threatened to launch agitations in front of the mutt. 

The leaders pointed out that he had stood up for the national anthem, adding that Governor Banwarilal Purohit and all other participants had stood up for the Tamil anthem as per protocol.

The mutt clarified that the junior pontiff was meditating at that time, which, however, did not satisfy the critics. “A mistake has taken place, which they are trying to cover up by cunningly circulating such news.” 

Rejecting the explanation Ramadoss charged Vijayendra with deliberately insulting Tamil, a charge that MDMK leader Vaiko, too, raised. That he had stood up for national anthem but not for Tamil anthem displayed deliberate insult to Tamil, added Thirumavalavan. 

The incident drew flak even from the pontiff of the Saivaite Mutt, Madurai Arunagirinatha Thirugnana Sambanda Desika Paramacharya, who said Vijayendra has only demeaned himself with this. This displayed the attitude of considering Tamil as ‘neech basha’ and Sanskrit as ‘Deva Basha’, added Veeramani. 

Poet Vairamuthu, who is facing protests over his comments about Andal, was quick to react to the development and said, “National anthem is to respect the country. Tamil anthem is to respect Tamil language. Both ought to be respected equally.” 

Meanwhile, Hindu Makkal Katchi leader Ramaboopathy on Wednesday filed a complaint against Vijayendra Saraswathi. Officials said the case will be booked only after consultation with senior officers.