Vijay Slams Amit Shah's Remarks on Ambedkar, Vows to Chant His Name

Tamil superstar and President of Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), Vijay, has criticised Union Home Minister Amit Shah for his recent remarks about B.R. Ambedkar in Parliament.

In a post on social media platform X, Vijay expressed his anger, suggesting some people may be "allergic" to Ambedkar's name. He praised Ambedkar as an "incomparable political and intellectual personality" who stands for the freedom of all Indians.

Vijay highlighted that Ambedkar's legacy is a symbol of hope for marginalised communities and a resistance to social injustice. He pledged to continue chanting Ambedkar's name in admiration.

Vijay's comments come after Shah's controversial statement in the Rajya Sabha on December 17. Shah had said it has become a "fashion" to repeatedly mention Ambedkar’s name, adding that if the Opposition had invoked God’s name as often, they would have reached heaven.

Opposition parties have strongly criticised Shah’s remarks.

Vijay had previously mentioned Ambedkar as one of the ideological mentors of TVK during his party’s first rally in Vikravandi, northern Tamil Nadu, a region with a significant Dalit population. His new party seems to be targeting Dalit voters, with Vijay’s films resonating strongly with marginalised communities.

Dalits make up about 20% of Tamil Nadu’s population, according to the 2011 Census, with some activists estimating this number has grown in recent years.