Vijay’s Iftar Party: Why Was It So Controversial?

Thalapathy Vijay's Iftar party, held on March 8, 2025, has sparked considerable controversy. The event, intended to be a celebration of Ramadan, has become the center of a political and religious firestorm. The accusations against Vijay are serious, including claims that he invited people with no connection to the religious observance. This article takes a closer look at what went wrong during the Iftar event and why it caused such a backlash.

TVK chief Vijay and Maulana Shahabuddin Razvi.

The Event and the Allegations

The Iftar party at YMCA Grounds, organized by Vijay’s party TVK, was meant to honor Muslim traditions. However, it quickly became controversial when it was alleged that guests who attended were neither fasting nor participating in Islamic customs. Reports mentioned the presence of alcoholics and gamblers, which violated the sanctity of Ramadan.

The Public Outrage

The Muslim community, especially in Tamil Nadu, was quick to respond to the allegations. Various religious groups, including the Sunnat Jamath, filed complaints with the police, condemning Vijay’s actions. These groups felt that the inclusion of non-fasting individuals at an Iftar event disrespected the very essence of Ramadan, which is about devotion, sacrifice, and unity.

The Political ContextVijay, who is increasingly active in Tamil Nadu politics, has been accused of using his Iftar party as a political tool. Critics argue that the event was a thinly veiled attempt to garner support from the Muslim electorate ahead of upcoming elections. His symbolic gestures, like wearing a skullcap and joining the evening namaz, were interpreted by some as insincere attempts to appeal to the Muslim community.

The controversy surrounding Vijay’s Iftar party highlights the sensitive relationship between religion and politics in India. While some viewed the event as an honest attempt to engage with the Muslim community, others saw it as a manipulative political move.