CM Stalin, Vijay condemn Union govt for blocking ‘Ananda Vikatan’ website

CHENNAI: Chief minister M K Stalin on Sunday condemned the BJP govt at Centre for blocking the online portal of Tamil magazine 'Ananda Vikatan' and termed it a fascist act.

"Shutting down media websites for their views is not good for democracy. This is an example of the fascist nature of BJP. I urge you (Union govt) to immediately unblock the website," Stalin said in a social media post.

The 'Vikatan' website was blocked after a cartoon depicting PM Narendra Modi in shackles, seated next to US President Donald Trump, was published. The cartoon was a critical take on India's alleged silence on US shackling illegal Indian immigrants when they were deported.

Soon after the cartoon was published, TN BJP president K Annamalai lodged a complaint with the Union ministry of information and broadcasting following which the website was blocked.

A fascist approach, says Vijay
The blocking of the website came in for severe criticism from various political parties and leaders including Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam president actor Vijay. "If the opinions expressed by the media are wrong or if it targets govt, then the issue should be sorted out through the courts and not by curtailing freedom of expression," Vijay said.

Vijay too called it a fascist approach. "Whether it was Union govt or state govt which adopts such fascist approach, TVK will always oppose it," he said.

TN BJP spokesperson A N S Prasad justified the blocking of Vikatan website saying that though the media has the right to criticise the officials and govt, it does not have the right to make fun of the country and its 140 crore people.



Get an chance to win ₹5000 Amazon Voucher by taking part in India's Biggest Habit Index! Take the survey here