**Vijay Likens LTTE’s Prabhakaran to ‘Mother’, Sparks Political Controversy**
*By Snehil Singh | Sep 20, 2025, 06:27 PM*
Tamizhaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) chief and actor Vijay has stirred controversy by praising the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) leader Velupillai Prabhakaran. During a rally in Nagapattinam, Tamil Nadu, Vijay likened Prabhakaran to a mother for Sri Lankan Tamils.
“At the same time, our umbilical-cord kin. Eelam Tamils are suffering after losing a leader who showed them motherly affection,” he stated.
### Political Impact
Vijay’s remarks come amidst his campaign for the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections. The issue of Sri Lankan Tamils remains highly sensitive in Tamil Nadu, especially among fishing communities like those in Nagapattinam. Over 50,000 Sri Lankan Tamils currently reside in refugee camps across the state after fleeing the civil war that began in 1983.
It is important to note that Prabhakaran was responsible for the assassination of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi in 1991, a fact that further fuels the controversy surrounding Vijay’s comments.
### Fishermen’s Concerns
In addition to his remarks on the Sri Lankan Tamil issue, Vijay also criticized the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) government for its handling of fishermen’s problems.
“We are not like the DMK government that writes a long letter about the fishermen’s issue and then remains silent,” Vijay said. He further accused Chief Minister MK Stalin of being passive on Tamil Nadu fishermen’s concerns despite having written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
### Past Activism
This is not the first time Vijay has voiced support for the Sri Lankan Tamil community. In 2008, he took part in a hunger strike in Chennai protesting violence against Tamils in Sri Lanka.
His recent remarks on Prabhakaran underscore his continued advocacy for giving a voice to Sri Lankan Tamils living in India.
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Vijay’s statements have sparked a heated debate in political circles and among the public, highlighting the complex and sensitive nature of Tamil Nadu’s ties with the Sri Lankan Tamil issue.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/politics/tvk-chief-vijay-praises-ltte-leader-prabhakaran-sparks-controversy/story
