A political row erupted in Tamil Nadu over the Lok Bhavan's portrayal of famous Tamil poet and philosopher Thiruvalluvar clad in saffron attire, garnering criticism from the ruling Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) and its ally Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (MDMK).
State governor Rajendra Arlekar presided over the Thiruvalluvar Thirunaal Vizha (Vaikasi Anusham Valluvar Thirunaal) organised by the Thiruvalluvar Thirunaal Kazhagam at the Lok Bhavan, where he paid floral tributes to a picture of Thiruvalluvar seen in saffron attire, contrary to the original image of the poet clad in white robe.
DMK's youth wing secretary Udhayanidhi Stalin claimed that the governor was testing the self-respect of Tamils all over again with his act, adding that the CM should call out the injustice of ideological enemies painting Valluvar saffron.
TVK said Thiruvalluvar is the one who gifted the world its universal code of conduct (Ulaga Podhumarai) and confining him within a narrow circle or a specific identity is equivalent to demeaning his global ideals.
MDMK chief Vaiko said it is unforgivable and the governor thinks Tamil Nadu is something that can be taken for granted.
Responding to the remarks, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) said the saffron is not a colour of a single religion, but it is the colour of the nation, urging the leaders to stop confining saffron within a narrow circle.
