A video that shows an altercation between Ayyakannu, Tamil Nadu chief of the Desiya Thenidhiya Nathigal Inaippu Vivasayigal Sangam, a farmers’ association, and BJP members, has created much debate in the state.
In the video, Ayyakannu, who had led a 41-day protest in New Delhi to highlight the plight of TN farmers, is seen distributing pamphlets to devotees at the Tiruchendur temple in Thoothukudi district.
The farmers' group is on a 100-day march that began last week in Kanyakumari, and have been speaking to the public, trying to raise awareness about the issues farmers face.
In the video, Ayyakannu and his team of men (only men are visible in the video) can be seen approaching women devotees at the temple, asking them to take a copy of their pamphlet. As a woman devotee prepares to do so, another woman barges into the frame, accompanied by a man.
The woman, Nellaiyammal, District Secretary of the BJP Women’s Wing, seizes the pamphlet from the devotee’s hand and says, “Don’t take his pamphlet. This Ayyakannu is a fraud.” She then turns to him and says such things cannot be given in the temple.
An enraged Ayyakannu immediately uses a Tamil cuss word implying she is a slut. The woman retaliates and slaps Ayyakannu. Pandemonium ensues with the other men in Ayyakannu's group and the two BJP members shouting at each other. In the next few seconds, there is much commotion and the woman can be seen pushed at least twice. She then removes the slipper on her feet and threatens the men. Temple authorities intervene, and speak to both groups.
Nellaiyammal has given a complaint to the police against Ayyakannu for abusing and attacking her, but alleges that the police did not accept her complaint.
Ayakkanu told many media channels that he had not used the cuss word and it was someone else in his team. However, in another video that has emerged, the woman can be seen questioning Ayyakannu on why he used the cuss word. He then says, ‘you called me a fraud’. When she asks how dare he still use a cuss word, he replies, “But that is obviously the retort.”
The BJP has received much criticism for stopping the farmers from interacting with the public and many believe the whole encounter was staged by the BJP members to trap Ayyakannu.
Central govt not even trying to set up cauvery management board now they slap a farmer association leader and after all they want to make it as a sensational news for media coverage #Ayyakannu #AyyakkannuSlapped
— Ramesh (@ramesh0039677) March 9, 2018
Ahe abused him as Fraud then Ayyakannu abused.. what Ayyakannu did is not correct but what that lady did is absolutely wrong..
— SRI (@Kashmir2kkumari) March 9, 2018
However, others have pointed out that though Ayyakannu had the right to oppose the BJP for hindering his work, the use of the misogynistic cuss word is condemnable.
Saw one handle...
— Kamaljii (@kamaljii) March 8, 2018
First appreciated highly the lady who slapped AyyaKannu for calling her slut.
After that handler finds that the lady belongs to BJP. Started slashing her & failed to question Ayyakannu who called her Slut.
This is attitude created by Dravidian & Periyarists.
Instead of defending himself...#Ayyakannu should just apologies for abusing the #BJP worker & face legal consequences. This behaviour is not done. https://t.co/BdOnGSvBfh
— Shabbir Ahmed (@Ahmedshabbir20) March 9, 2018
Watched the Ayyakannu video. The first abuse from his side is directed against the woman, and he calls her a prostitute. Like really! (Ayyakannu says he didn't use the abuse, someone else did) Whoever used, from the video it does seem like him only), completely deplorable
— Dhanya Rajendran (@dhanyarajendran) March 9, 2018
Ayyakannu is at fault here. I like what the lady did to a man who abused her by choicest of words. On a lighter vein, I can’t believe that she is with BJP -:)
— Sriram (@SriramMadras) March 9, 2018