Tamil Nadu Poet Vairamuthu’s Remark on Lord Ram Sparks Political Row
A recent speech by renowned Tamil lyricist and poet Vairamuthu has triggered controversy after he commented on Lord Ram during a literary event in Tamil Nadu. His remarks have drawn sharp criticism from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which accused him of hurting Hindu sentiments.
The Controversial Remark
Speaking at a programme where he received an award named after medieval Tamil poet Kambar, who wrote the Tamil version of the Ramayana (the Kamba Ramayanam), Vairamuthu reflected on Lord Ram’s state of mind after being separated from Goddess Sita.
He stated that “After being separated from Sita, Ram lost his mind, not knowing what he was doing. Under IPC Section 84, an act committed by a person due to mental derangement or unsoundness of mind does not constitute an offence.”
Vairamuthu further added that while “Kamban may not have known the law, he understood society and the human mind. Ram is fully acquitted, forgiven – making Ram a human being, and Kamban divine.”
BJP’s Reaction
The remarks quickly drew a strong response from BJP leaders. CR Kesavan, a BJP leader, took to X (formerly Twitter) and condemned the poet’s comments.
He wrote: “Vairamuthu Ramasamy is a disgusting repeat offender when it comes to insulting sacred Hindu deities and grossly abusing Hindu Dharma. Now Vairamuthu, who ironically has ‘Rama’ in his name, has perversely misinterpreted the Kamba Ramayanam and called Lord Rama mentally unstable.”
Kesavan further criticized the poet, saying: “Vairamuthu went on to misinterpret Kamba Ramayanam, stating Lord Rama had lost his sanity so he can’t be incriminated as per IPC 84 (defence of legal insanity). Vairamuthu is a disgrace and he needs to immediately apologise to crores of devotees of Lord Rama and Hindu Dharma.”
Event in Presence of Tamil Nadu CM
The event where Vairamuthu made the remarks was attended by Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin, adding further political weight to the controversy.
Why the Issue Matters
The episode highlights the continuing sensitivity around religious sentiments in India, especially regarding revered figures like Lord Ram. It also reflects the interplay between literature, politics, and religion in Tamil Nadu, where interpretations of epics like the Ramayana often spark public debate.















