Thalapathy Vijay Says Amit Shah 'Allergic' To Ambedkar; Vows To Chant Babasaheb's Name

Tamil superstar and President of Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), Vijay, has criticised Union Home Minister Amit Shah for his recent comments about B.R. Ambedkar in Parliament. In a post on Wednesday on the social media platform X, Vijay expressed his outrage, suggesting that some individuals may be "allergic" to Ambedkar's name, reported IANS.

He praised Ambedkar as an "incomparable political and intellectual personality" who embodies the spirit of freedom for all Indian citizens. Vijay stressed that Ambedkar's legacy serves as a beacon of hope for marginalised communities and a symbol of resistance against social injustice.

Photo Credit: PTI

He vowed to continue chanting Ambedkar's name, emphasising his deep admiration for the iconic leader.

"Ambedkar... Ambedkar... Ambedkar... Let us keep chanting his name with joy in our hearts and on our lips," said the TVK President.

Opposition parties across the country have also condemned Amit Shah's remarks in the Rajya Sabha on December 17.

Union Home Minister Shah had remarked that there is now a "fashion" to repeatedly invoke Ambedkar's name, adding that if the Opposition had taken God's name as often, they would have reached heaven.

Shah's comments have sparked widespread criticism.

Vijay had previously mentioned Ambedkar as one of the ideological mentors of TVK during his party's first rally in Vikravandi, northern Tamil Nadu.

This region has a large Dalit population and is considered a stronghold of Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) President Thol. Thirumavalavan.

Thirumavalavan's VCK was formerly known as the Dalit Panthers of India.

Vijay's newly formed party seems to be focusing on Dalit voters, capitalising on his strong support among marginalised communities due to the socially relevant roles he portrayed in his films.

According to the 2011 Census, Dalits make up around 20 percent of Tamil Nadu's population, though activists estimate this figure may have risen by six percent in recent years.