Chennai: A poster reportedly circulated by Hindu Munnani party members on the death anniversary of BR Ambedkar portraying him as a 'saffron' leader clad in a saffron dress has sparked a controversy in the state. Sharing the image of the poster, several activists including VCK chief and MP Thol Thirumalavalan have condemned the portrayal of the father of the Indian Consitution in a bad light contrary to his actions.
The poster purportedly pasted by Hindu Makkal Katchi for Ambedkar's death anniversary on the walls in some parts of the state portrayed him as a 'Rightist' dressed in saffron with three lines of vibuti smeared on his forehead. The poster also had the image of Hindu Munnai leader Arjun Sampath and another party functionary.
The poster said: "Kaavi (Kaaviya) thalaivan pugazhai pottruvom (Let's us praise the glory of the 'Saffron' (Epic) leader."
After the poster started doing the rounds on social media, several activists condemned the portrayal of the leader.
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Taking to Twitter, VCK leader Thol Thirumavalavan said, “I condemn the religious bigots who disgraced Ambedkar who fiercely fought against Sanatana forces, varna discriminations and the supremacy of Manusmriti till his last breath and pulled teeth of the bigots by leaving Hindusim along with 10 lakh people.”
"We strongly condemn this. The religious fanatics insulted the revolutionary Ambedkar who vowed not to worship the gods like Shiva, Vishnu and Brahma by portraying him as a person clad in a saffron dress with vibuti smeared on the forehead. Hence, VCK demands Tamil Nadu government to arrest them," he said.