Lord Ram Lost His Mind” Remark by Tamil Poet Sparks Political Firestorm

CHENNAI: A major political row has erupted in Tamil Nadu after acclaimed Tamil poet and lyricist Vairamuthu made controversial remarks about Lord Ram during a recent literary event, suggesting that the deity had “lost his mind” after being separated from his wife, Goddess Sita.

The comments were made as Vairamuthu accepted an award named after the legendary Tamil poet Kambar, author of the Tamil ‘Ramayana’. In his speech, Vairamuthu remarked:

“After being separated from Sita, Ram lost his mind, not knowing what he was doing. Crimes committed in such a state are not considered crimes under IPC Section 84. Kamban may not have known the law, but he knew society and the human mind.”

He went further, stating, “Ram is fully acquitted, forgiven – making Ram a human being, and Kamban, God.”

The event was attended by Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin and former Union Minister S Jagathrakshagan, adding further political weight to the ensuing controversy.

BJP Hits Back, Demands Clarification

The remarks drew immediate criticism from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), with Tamil Nadu BJP president Nainar Nagendran condemning them as “unacceptable”. He questioned whether Chief Minister Stalin endorsed the poet’s views.

BJP spokesperson Narayanan Thirupathy escalated the attack, calling Vairamuthu “a fool” and accusing him of having “lost his mind.” The party also labelled the poet a “repeat offender”, recalling previous controversial comments he had made about Andal, a revered Hindu goddess.

Freedom of Speech or Religious Insult?

The incident has reignited the ongoing debate around freedom of expression and religious sentiment in India’s politically sensitive cultural space. While Vairamuthu is celebrated for his contributions to Tamil literature and film, his statements have increasingly drawn the ire of religious and political groups.

As of now, the Tamil Nadu government has not officially responded to the controversy, but the issue is expected to gain further traction in the days to come.