Right wing groups Hindu Makkal Katchi and Tamil Nadu Thowheed Jamat (TNTJ) normally butt heads on many issues in Tamil Nadu, but they seem to have found a rare common ground as both groups plan to oppose Valentine’s Day celebrations in the state, terming them an “affront to the culture and values of our society”.

The Hindu reported that the Hindu Makkal Katchi will publicly burn the photographs of couples indulging in public display of affection at an event planned near Kannagi Statue on the Marina Beach. Members of the TNTJ said they will embark on a state-wide propaganda to reach out to “misguided youth”.

S.R. Kumaravel, state secretary, Hindu Makkal Katchi, said instances of lovers kissing and embracing each other in public places had increased and it was destroying the social fabric of the society. Last year, the group had planned to bring the ‘thali’ with an intention to get the couples married, but were stopped by the police.

A TNTJ spokesperson jumped in to add to the sentiment, calling all displays of affection in the name of love, lustful. A series of posters from the Muslim organisation claims that Valentine’s Day was invented to “rape and destroy the chastity of women.”