BJP to proceed with Vetri Vel Yatra amidst opposition

Chennai: Bharatiya Janata Party in Tamil Nadu is set to proceed with Vetri Vel Yatra (Victorious Spear March) a day after orders from AIDMK-led Tamil Nadu Government to not conduct the Yatra amidst the third wave of Covid-19. The State Government had informed Madras High Court on Thursday that Vel Yatra, which was to be held from November 6 to December 6, will not be allowed considering the Covid concern in the state. While speaking to media BJP leader H Raja warned, "AIDMK government has allowed the opening of schools in the middle of the pandemic and not giving permission to conduct Vel Yatra. If allowed we will go ahead with the Yatra or it will be an agitation."

On Thursday, AIDMK leader and Minister of Fisheries D Jaya Kumar warned BJP in a press briefing, "Everyone should abide by the law. If anyone violates the law, it will take its own course. I say this not only to BJP but to all political parties considering the third wave of Covid 19 pandemic which is around the corner."

After the State Government's submission before Madras High Court, BJP State President L Murugan headed to Thiruvallur district's Thiruttani Murugan Temple near to Chennai where the Yatra is scheduled to begin as per plan. BJP declared the Yatra as a mission to expose 'minority appeasement' and 'anti-Hindu' narratives in the state. Regarding Tamil Nadu Government's decision, L Murugan said, "I have a right to offer prayers at the temple. To worship is my constitutional right."

Opposition party Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) leader Dr. Thirumavalavan said, "The plan set by BJP is with an intention to cause communal riots in Tamil Nadu. BJP supporters have vandalised statues of Thanthai Periyar, C.N Annadurai and Thiruvalluvar by pouring saffron paint, or trying to drape these statues in saffron. Some have tried to cause communal riots by inflicting injuries on themselves and trying to falsely accuse people of other religions of attacking them. Now they have made an announcement that they shall have a roadshow called Vel Yathra. We wish to point out to the Tamil Nadu Government that this will cause a law and order problem."

Vel Yatra is conceptualized to honour Lord Murugan. The yatra will end on December 6, the anniversary of the demolition of Babri Masjid, at the Thiruchendur Murugan Temple in Thoothukudi district.

"Manusmriti issue is burning in Tamil Nadu and there is a law and order problem in the state. BJP is conducting Vel Yatra with an intention. This is only for giving communal colour in the State. Yatra is scheduled to end on December 6; the day commemorated as BR Ambedkar's Mahaparinirvan Diwas. Lot of people from marginalized communities will gather on that day in various parts of Tamil Nadu. BJP's intention is to make a conflict over there. This Vel Yatra is aiming at the coming elections. By communally dividing Tamils, BJP is trying to propagate a negative agenda," Shiva Chandiran, a VCK party member told Madhyamam.