Recently elected Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and actor Vijay has sparked a major controversy. His post, paying tributes to the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) founder V Prabhakaran on his death anniversary, has left many disappointed. But why is a tribute note being called controversial? What is the history of the LTTE? Let’s find out:
What Did Vijay Say?
Recently, Vijay took to his X handle and offered his tributes to LTTE founder V Prabhakaran on his death anniversary. The actor-politician referred to the place Mullivaikkal in Sri Lanka, where he was shot dead by the Lankan army in 2009. Vijay wrote, “We will carry the memories of Mullivaikkal in our hearts! We will always stand in solidarity for the rights of our Tamil kin living across the sea!”
முள்ளிவாய்க்கால்
நினைவுகளை இதயத்தில் ஏந்துவோம்! கடல் கடந்து வாழும் நம் தமிழ்ச் சொந்தங்களின் உரிமைகளுக்காக எப்போதும் துணை நிற்போம்!
— TVK Vijay (@TVKVijayHQ) May 18, 2026
Why Is Vijay’s Post Controversial?
The Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), the separatist militant organisation founded by Prabhakaran, has had a controversial history in India. It was formed in 1976 to create an independent Tamil homeland called “Tamil Eelam” in Sri Lanka. The group claimed that Sri Lankan Tamils faced discrimination and violence at the hands of the Sinhalese-majority government.
However, over the years, the organisation became infamous for violent attacks, political assassinations and suicide bombings. It was designated as a terrorist organisation by several countries, including India, the United States and the United Kingdom.
The LTTE is also banned in India because of its alleged involvement in the assassination of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi in 1991. Indian investigators named Prabhakaran as one of the key conspirators behind the suicide bombing that killed Gandhi during an election rally in Tamil Nadu.
What Are Netizens Saying?
After Vijay’s post grabbed attention, a section of social media users expressed disappointment and slammed the actor’s politics. “What kind of politics is this now!🤔 With the support of Congress, Vijay became CM, and now they’re paying tribute to the very terrorist organisation that was their enemy. On the death anniversary of former LTTE chief Prabhakaran, CM Vijay paid tribute,” one of the users wrote.
“Vijay is playing with fire by glorifying Velupillai Prabhakaran, the man tied to Rajiv Gandhi’s murder and the LTTE outlawed in India. Rahul Gandhi and MK Stalin should condemn this dirty politics because grief cannot be used to polish a violent past,” added another.
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