The passing of EVKS Elangovan, former leader of the Tamil Nadu Congress, has evoked a polarizing response. While his party members and family mourn his loss, much of Tamil society, particularly on social media are celebrating his demise, highlighting the depth of hate he has earned among the Tamil people. EVKS Elangovan’s political career was steeped in controversy, marked by casteist, racist, and misogynistic remarks that alienated many. His public statements against iconic figures like Ilaiyaraaja and other personalities exposed his unapologetic casteism and deep-seated biases. Yet, it was not just his domestic rhetoric that incited outrage, it was his stance on broader Tamil issues that rendered him a figure of profound detestation. Perhaps the most damning aspect of his legacy was his role as a loyal functionary of the Congress Party, which has long been accused of complicity in the Tamil Genocide during Sri Lanka’s civil war. EVKS Elangovan went ...
Pa. Ranjith, a prominent filmmaker in Tamil Cinema celebrated for addressing Dalit grievances, has positioned himself as a Dalit Buddhist championing the fight against oppression. However, his actions raise serious questions about his commitment to social justice, especially regarding the Tamil Eelam struggle. While Ranjith critiques casteism and advocates for social justice, his sympathetic stance toward Sinhala Buddhist chauvinism—arguably the driving force behind the Tamil genocide—stands in stark contradiction to his proclaimed ideals. His affection for Buddhism, combined with his association with individuals like Shoba sakthi, an outspoken critic of the Eelam movement, appears to have skewed his perspective. Instead of engaging critically with the Tamil liberation struggle, he seems dedicated to disseminating propaganda that undermines it. A glaring example of this is his use of Neelam Publications to promote revisionist narratives. The publicati...