Don’t Twist History For Votes”: Actor Vijay Slams BJP Over Chola Controversy, Party Hits Back With Fierce Response
In a fiery political-cultural showdown that has taken Tamil Nadu by storm, actor Thalapathy Vijay—one of the most influential stars in South Indian cinema—has lashed out at the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for what he called a “shameful drama” over the legacy of the Chola dynasty. Vijay, known not just for his blockbuster films but also for his increasingly bold public statements, accused the BJP of “twisting history for political gains”, sparking an intense back-and-forth with party leaders.
The controversy erupted after a BJP spokesperson claimed during a televised debate that the Cholas were Hindutva icons and that their governance model was “aligned with the BJP’s vision of cultural nationalism.” The remark triggered criticism across the political spectrum and from historians alike, but it was Vijay’s sharp response that turned the issue into a nationwide headline.
Vijay’s Statement: “History Is Not a Stage for Political Drama”
During a recent public interaction at an educational initiative in Chennai, Vijay did not mince words:
“The Cholas were visionary rulers who built a society based on knowledge, art, and tolerance. Please don’t reduce them to characters in your political drama. Our history deserves better than your vote-hunting versions.”
His comment instantly went viral, earning widespread support from fans, historians, and fellow actors, many of whom praised him for speaking truth to power.
This isn’t the first time Vijay has taken a subtle political stance, but this moment is perhaps the most overt and direct attack on a national party, further fueling speculation about his political aspirations.
BJP’s Counterattack: “Vijay Should Stick to Scripts, Not History”
The BJP wasn’t far behind in clapping back. Tamil Nadu BJP Vice President Narayanan Thirupathi issued a sharp rebuttal:
“Vijay is an actor. He should stick to entertaining people, not lecturing us on history. The Cholas were proud Sanatana Dharma followers. If that offends him, maybe he needs to revisit the history books.”
Party leaders accused Vijay of being “influenced by Dravidian narratives” and misrepresenting India’s historical figures to align with regional political ideologies.
Some BJP supporters even launched a social media campaign under the hashtag #HistoryNotCinema, urging actors to “stop politicizing ancient India for applause.”
The Historical Debate: Who Were the Cholas Really?
The core of the controversy lies in how history is interpreted—and more importantly, used—for political storytelling.
The Chola dynasty, which ruled large parts of South India and Southeast Asia between the 9th and 13th centuries, is widely admired for:
- Building massive temples and promoting architecture (e.g., Brihadeeswarar Temple)
- Encouraging maritime trade and global diplomacy
- Supporting Tamil language, arts, and literature
- Establishing a highly organized local self-government system
While it is true that Hinduism played a prominent role in the Chola era, most scholars argue that the Cholas were pragmatic rulers, more focused on statecraft and inclusivity than religious dogma.
Historian Dr. R. Ponnambalam commented:
“The Cholas can’t be boxed into current political ideologies. They were devout Hindus, yes, but also patrons of Buddhist and Jain institutions. Reducing their legacy to a single narrative is both ignorant and dangerous.”
Public Reactions: Support for Vijay, Mixed Views on BJP’s Claims
Social media platforms exploded with responses following the verbal crossfire. While Vijay fans and progressive voices cheered the actor for standing up against “historical revisionism,” BJP loyalists accused him of cultural betrayal.
Some notable responses:
- Director Pa. Ranjith: “Thank you, Vijay, for protecting our cultural dignity. The Cholas belong to the people, not political parties.”
- Actor Prakash Raj: “History must unite, not divide. Kudos to Vijay for saying what many are afraid to.”
- Twitter User @BharatVoiceTN: “Vijay is misinformed. Cholas were Dharmic kings who upheld Hindu traditions. What’s wrong in celebrating that?”
Politics Meets Pop Culture: Vijay’s Growing Political Voice
With Tamil Nadu already simmering in Dravidian vs. Hindutva cultural battles, Vijay’s remarks are being viewed as more than just a celebrity opinion—they are a potential political statement.
Insiders say Vijay is carefully shaping his public persona, possibly preparing for a political plunge in the near future. His fans, often compared to those of MGR and Rajinikanth, have already formed unofficial youth wings and community networks to promote “Thalapathy values.”
What This Controversy Reveals
- History is not neutral: It can be shaped, stretched, and sold to serve present-day politics.
- Celebrities hold influence: Especially in Tamil Nadu, where cinema and politics have long intersected.
- Culture wars are real: And they’re getting more intense, especially with elections around the corner.
A Battle Beyond the Past
The war of words between Vijay and the BJP is not just about the Cholas—it’s about who gets to define India’s identity. As politicians, historians, and actors weigh in, one thing is clear: history isn’t just being remembered—it’s being fought over.
Whether Vijay will continue down this path or take the political plunge remains to be seen. But one thing’s for sure—he’s no longer just a reel-life hero. He’s fast becoming a voice in real-life debates, and India is listening.
