Ayya Vazhi seeks separate religion status ahead of Lok Sabha polls

As a chunk of Hindu Nadars, who form the core of Ayya Vazhi, have traditionally supported the BJP in elections, there is speculation if this could affect the saffron party’s prospects in Kanniyakumari, the sole Lok Sabha constituency it won here in 2014.

Ayya Vazhi has a significant following, especially in the southern districts of Kanniyakumari, Thoothukudi and Tirunelveli.

“We are unique. Be it culture, practices, or prayers, everything is different from the organised Hindu faith,” said Balaprajapathi Adigalar, the 72-year-old head of the sect. The demand for a separate religion was only to protect the “unique nature” of their denomination. “How can we lose our uniqueness? We are firm on our demand. It is our appeal to the parties that they accept our demand,” he said.

He said they do not want “intervention” from Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department. Officials were not available for comment.

Adigalar claimed that even senior BJP leader and Union Minister Pon Radhakrishnan had assured support to protect their uniqueness and “ward off intervention” from the HR&CE Department.

Despite repeated attempts, none of the BJP leaders came forward to comment. Tamil Nadu Congress Committee president K S Alagiri said the demand would be taken up with the party high command, but declined to elaborate.

However, Nadar Mahajana Sangam general secretary G Karikolraj said it was only the leadership which was raising the demand. “The common Hindu Nadars of Kanniyakumari district are not very keen about it.”

Hindutva leader BR Gauthaman agreed, adding that Adigalar would be singled out by the community for making this demand, as Ayya Vazhi is rooted in Hindu ideals. Citing poll data, he contended that the support of the leader of the sect was not essential to win elections in Kanniyakumari.

Joining him in opposing the demand, Indu Makkal Katchi chief Arjun Sampath said it cannot swing the decision of the electorate. Hindu Tamizhar Katchi leader Rama Ravikumar concurred with Sampath, saying it was a “non-issue”.