TVK Chief Vijay Faces Backlash from Muslim Community After Fatwa Over Iftar Event

 Chennai, Tamil Nadu:

Actor-turned-politician TVK chief Vijay, also known as Joseph Vijay Chandrasekhar, finds himself embroiled in a religious and political controversy after a leading Islamic cleric issued a fatwa against him. The controversy stems from an Iftar event hosted by Vijay on March 7 at the YMCA Grounds in Chennai, which has drawn criticism from a section of the Muslim community and religious leaders who accused him of disrespecting Islamic traditions.

TVK chief Vijay seen attending an Iftar event in Chennai, amid growing controversy

The fatwa was issued by Maulana Shahabuddin Razvi Bareilly, the National President of the All India Muslim Jamaat and Chief Mufti of Chashme Darul Ifta. In his religious decree, the Maulana accused Vijay of inviting individuals who were neither observing the holy month of Ramadan properly nor maintaining Islamic decorum during the Iftar gathering. He labeled the attendees as "drunkards" and "gamblers", questioning the sincerity of the event and alleging that it was politically motivated.

Razvi further alleged that the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) chief was using the sentiments of the Muslim community to pave his way into politics. "In his movies, he has portrayed Muslims as terrorists, yet now he seeks Muslim support. This is sheer hypocrisy," the Maulana said. He specifically pointed to the actor’s 2022 film Beast, where he claimed Muslims were depicted as militants and threats to national security.

Discontent Within the Muslim Community

Following the event, members of the Muslim community in Tamil Nadu, particularly from the Sunnath Jamath, lodged an official complaint with the Chennai Police Commissioner. According to the complaint, the Iftar party was not only "poorly managed" but also "insulting" to those who respect and follow Islamic practices.

Syed Kous, treasurer of the Tamil Nadu Sunnath Jamath, expressed his frustration. “The presence of individuals who were not observing Roza and who were intoxicated during the event was deeply insulting to our community,” he said. He further questioned the motives behind organizing such a public event that failed to reflect the sanctity of Ramadan.

TVK’s Political Calculations?

Vijay, who recently founded the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam, is seen by many as preparing for a larger political role in Tamil Nadu’s complex landscape. His decision to host an Iftar party and participate in Muslim rituals—including wearing a skull cap and joining the evening Namaz—was viewed by some as a symbolic attempt to connect with the Muslim community.

However, critics argue that this outreach may be less about genuine interfaith respect and more about electoral gains. “His actions speak of appeasement rather than genuine solidarity,” said Maulana Razvi. “This is a man whose movies have constantly used Muslim characters as negative tropes, and now he expects the community to believe in his political sincerity.”

Adding another layer to the situation, the TVK chief Vijay has also filed a petition in the Supreme Court challenging the constitutional validity of the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025. While this legal move may appear unrelated, some observers believe it further complicates his already delicate standing within the Muslim community.

Supporters Rally Behind Vijay

Despite the backlash, Vijay’s supporters and members of the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam have rallied behind him. TVK spokespersons dismissed the fatwa as “politically motivated” and accused Razvi and other critics of attempting to malign the actor’s image ahead of upcoming political developments.

“TVK chief Vijay has always stood for social harmony and inclusivity,” a senior party member stated. “The Iftar event was meant to foster interfaith unity, and it is unfortunate that such an effort is being twisted into a controversy.”

Others in the entertainment and political circles have also come to Vijay’s defense, noting that his involvement in the Iftar was no different from other politicians engaging with diverse religious communities during festive occasions.

What Lies Ahead for TVK and Vijay?

As the controversy unfolds, it puts a spotlight not only on Vijay’s political intentions but also on how religious sentiment and identity politics play out in Tamil Nadu’s evolving electoral landscape. The Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam, a relatively new entrant in the state’s political scene, will now have to navigate this sensitive issue while attempting to build trust among various communities, especially Muslims.

For the Muslim community, this incident has sparked a broader conversation about religious respect, political symbolism, and the expectations they hold from those seeking their support. As Maulana Razvi emphasized, “True respect for Islam is shown through consistent actions, not symbolic gestures before elections.”

Whether this fatwa significantly impacts TVK chief Vijay’s political ambitions remains to be seen. But for now, his relationship with the Muslim community appears strained, and his party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam, must undertake careful steps to regain trust and credibility.