Hindu Vote Mobilization Intensifies Ahead of Tamil Nadu Assembly Elections

As the Tamil Nadu assembly elections approach next year, efforts to consolidate Hindu votes are gaining momentum. The Hindu Munnani, an affiliate of the BJP, has urged the public to demonstrate the strength of the Hindu vote bank in the upcoming elections scheduled for April. During a conference organized by the right-wing group for devotees of Lord Murugan, the Hindu Munnani passed a resolution advocating for 'Hindu unity' and the protection of Hindu rights and temples. The event saw participation from Andhra Pradesh's Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan and several officials from the Tamil Nadu BJP. The resolution emphasized that the DMK government should cease viewing temples merely as sources of revenue and instead utilize these funds for the benefit of devotees.

In his address at the conference, Pawan Kalyan criticized 'pseudo-secularists' who target Hinduism under the guise of freedom of expression, calling for respect for all religions. Speaking at the large gathering of Lord Murugan's devotees, known as 'Muruga Bhaktargal Manadu', he asserted that he is a 'committed Hindu' rather than a fanatic. He remarked that the term secularism has become a 'convenient term' for many, particularly atheists who do not believe in God. He pointed out that secularism should imply no discrimination against any religion, yet for some, it seems to mean discrimination against Hinduism alone. Kalyan noted that targeting Hindu deities in the name of freedom of expression has become commonplace.

Kalyan further stated that so-called secularists lack the courage to speak against religions that have come from abroad. He expressed concern that it has become a habit for atheists to belittle Hindu deities, warning that if this continues, preserving Hinduism will become increasingly difficult. Speaking in Tamil, he referred to Pasumpon Ramalinga Thevar, regarded as an ideal figure in the Thevar community, as an incarnation of Lord Murugan and 'the world's first revolutionary leader'. The Thevar community is known to be a significant voting bloc in southern Tamil Nadu.

Meanwhile, K. Annamalai, the former president of the Tamil Nadu BJP, addressed the conference, asserting that there should be no conversions from Hinduism and that those who have converted should return to the faith. He warned that the large turnout of Hindus at the gathering serves as a warning to those in power. Annamalai explained that each temple of Lord Murugan carries a special message—love, knowledge, marital life, victory over evil, and peace. He emphasized that it is up to those in power to decide how they wish to view Hindus. He noted that Hindus often forgive those who cause them harm, but today they are facing continuous attacks on their way of life. Annamalai criticized political leaders who come to power with Hindu votes yet use derogatory language against Hindus, believing they will never unite.

He added, 'Our children should have the right to wear sacred ash on their foreheads and rudraksha beads in school. Such gatherings are necessary to address these issues.' He drew a parallel with the Jewish community, which, despite being only 0.2% of the global population, fights for its rights across four countries. Annamalai lamented that when India combats cross-border terrorism, political leaders resort to criticism.

Additionally, Tamil Nadu BJP president Nayanar Nagendran remarked that despite numerous attempts to halt the conference, it succeeded with a massive turnout. He energized the crowd by singing lines from the famous devotional song 'Marudhamalai Mamanien' dedicated to Lord Murugan. RSS leader R. Vanniyarajan stated that the fragmentation of Hindu society is due to untouchability and discrimination, which he deemed sinful. He insisted that eradicating untouchability is essential for Hindu unity. Furthermore, Hindu Munnani leader Bhaktavachalam noted that while people in Tamil Nadu worship differently, there is devotion but a lack of strength. He expressed that the goal of the conference is for the people of Tamil Nadu to come together at least once a month to recite 'Kandha Shashti Kavacham.'

It is important to note that this conference was organized by the Hindu Munnani (Hindu Front) and included participation from various Hindu organizations, religious leaders, and leaders from AIADMK and BJP, including K. Annamalai. Although the BJP's ally AIADMK has remained silent on the event, four former ministers—R.B. Udayakumar, Selur K. Raju, Rajendra Balaji, and Kadambur Raju—attended. Central Minister L. Murugan and senior BJP leaders H. Raja, Tamilisai Soundararajan, and Vanathi Srinivasan were also present.

On the other hand, opposition parties have targeted the BJP and its allies regarding this event. Tamil Nadu's Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Minister P.K. Shekhar Babu stated that Lord Murugan would never bless the wrong people. He remarked, 'Lord Murugan knows which events are political and which are spiritual. He can distinguish between right and wrong, so he will never align with the wrong people.' Meanwhile, NTK leader Seeman questioned why the BJP, having failed to gain political advantage through Lord Ram and Ganesh in Tamil Nadu, is now attempting to adopt Lord Murugan.