The Impressive TimesNew Delhi : Tamil actor-turned-politician Vijay, the president of the Tamil Nadu Vijay Karthik (TVK) party, has come under fire after a fatwa was issued against him by Maulana Shahabuddin Razvi Bareilvi, president of the All India Muslim Jamaat. The fatwa was triggered by allegations of Vijay’s negative portrayal of Muslims in his films and his controversial actions during a recent Iftar party, which reportedly included inviting individuals involved in gambling and alcohol consumption.
In his statement, Maulana Razvi explained that despite Vijay maintaining friendly relations with the Muslim community and hosting an Iftar party, his films have portrayed Muslims in a negative light, particularly depicting them as promoters of terrorism. This has reportedly upset a significant section of the Sunni Muslim community in Tamil Nadu, who have expressed their dissatisfaction over what they see as misrepresentation and discrimination against Muslims in his cinematic work.
The controversy surrounding the Iftar gathering escalated when it was alleged that Vijay had invited guests who were involved in gambling and liquor consumption, which is seen as deeply offensive by conservative Muslim groups. The combination of these issues led to a public outcry, with many Muslims in the region demanding accountability for the actor-politician’s actions.
In response to the growing discontent, Maulana Razvi issued the fatwa, urging Muslims not to support or align themselves with Vijay. The fatwa also reflects the anger and disappointment felt by certain sections of the Muslim community in Tamil Nadu, particularly those who have historically been critical of Vijay’s portrayals of Muslim characters in his films.
Speaking about the fatwa, Maulana Razvi clarified, “He (Vijay) has formed a political party and maintained cordial relations with Muslims. However, he has portrayed Muslims in a negative way as those who spread terrorism in his films. Gamblers and liquor consumers were invited to his Iftar party. Due to all this, Sunni Muslims of Tamil Nadu are angry with him. They asked for a fatwa. So, in my answer, I have issued a fatwa mentioning that Muslims should not stand with Vijay.”
The fatwa has further amplified the ongoing tension surrounding Vijay’s political career and his image in the Tamil film industry.
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