**Vijay Likens LTTE Leader Prabhakaran to ‘Mother’, Sparks Political Controversy**
*By Snehil Singh | Sep 20, 2025, 6:27 PM*
**What’s the story?**
Tamizhaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) chief and actor Vijay has ignited controversy by praising Velupillai Prabhakaran, the leader of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE). Speaking at a rally in Nagapattinam, Tamil Nadu, Vijay likened Prabhakaran to a mother figure 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 said.
**Political Impact**
Vijay’s remarks come as he campaigns for the upcoming 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections. The Sri Lankan Tamil issue remains highly sensitive in Tamil Nadu, particularly in fishing communities such as Nagapattinam. More than 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’s legacy is controversial, as he was responsible for the assassination of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi in 1991.
**Fishermen’s Concerns**
Alongside his comments on Sri Lankan Tamils, Vijay also criticized the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) government over its handling of fishermen’s issues in the state.
“We are not like the DMK government that writes a long letter about the fishermen’s issue and then remains silent,” he said.
Vijay accused Chief Minister MK Stalin of maintaining silence on the concerns of Tamil Nadu’s fishermen, despite having written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the matter.
**Past Activism**
This is not the first time Vijay has expressed support for Sri Lankan Tamils. In 2008, he participated in a hunger strike in Chennai protesting violence against Tamils in Sri Lanka.
His recent remarks about Prabhakaran were paired with a call to “give a voice to the Sri Lankan Tamils” living in India.
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Vijay’s statements have sparked wide debate, reflecting the complex and deeply emotional nature of the Sri Lankan Tamil issue in Tamil Nadu politics. The actor-turned-politician continues to navigate this sensitive landscape as he seeks to expand his political footprint ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/politics/tvk-chief-vijay-praises-ltte-leader-prabhakaran-sparks-controversy/story
