VCK urges CM Vijay to enact stringent law against superstitious practices
Chennai (PTI): VCK MLA Vanni Arasu on Wednesday urged the newly formed Tamil Nadu government to enact a stringent law against superstitious practices, citing similar legislations in Karnataka and Maharashtra to curb exploitation in the name of black magic and rituals.
VCK, which won two seats in the 2026 Assembly election, has offered support to TVK to form a government during the floor test.
Speaking during the discussion on the confidence motion in the Assembly, Arasu highlighted that states like Bihar, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, and Rajasthan already have laws against witchcraft and sorcery.
"From 2013 in Maharashtra and 2020 in Karnataka, laws providing imprisonment for those who deceive through superstitious means have been in practice," he stated. The party noted that rationalist Narendra Dabholkar had fought for such a law in Maharashtra before being murdered by "Sanatana terrorists".
The VCK MLA further called on the government to prioritise scientific temper over beliefs in astrology and sorcery.
"Our government should give priority to projects that develop science without giving room for superstitions like astrology and black magic," Arasu said, citing Article 51A of the Indian Constitution, which defines the development of scientific temper as a fundamental duty of every citizen.
The party demanded a special law to prevent honour killings as well, which Arasu claimed are rising in Tamil Nadu as they once did in North Indian states.
The government was also urged to enact legislation protecting the "200-point roster system" for SC/ST employee promotions, utilising powers under Article 16(4A) of the Constitution.
Highlighting the recent arrest of 40 Tamil Nadu fishermen by the Sri Lankan Navy, the VCK sought a permanent solution to protect them from such attacks.
The party called on the state government to take initiatives toward the "right of Eelam Tamils to rule themselves" and requested that the state officially observe May 18 as International Genocide Day.
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Ex-army chief Naravane backs RSS leader's remarks on dialogue with Pakistan
Mumbai (PTI): Former army chief Gen (retd) Manoj Naravane on Wednesday supported RSS leader Dattatreya Hosabale's stand on the desirability of willingness to have a dialogue with Pakistan, stating that friendship between the two peoples can lead to better bilateral relations.
"Common people live on both sides of the border, with common problems of 'roti, kapda and makan (food, clothing and shelter). Common man has nothing to do with politics. When there is friendship between the two peoples, there will also be friendship between the two nations," Naravane told PTI on the sidelines of an event here.
"It is a right thing. People-to-people contact is important," he added.
People-to-people contact is key to breaking the deadlock with Pakistan and there should always be a window for dialogue, Hosabale said in an interview to PTI Videos on Tuesday. Pakistan's military and political leadership have lost India's confidence and it is time for civil society to lead the way, the RSS leader said.
Naravane said there should be a people-to-people connect between the two countries, be it through 'track two' diplomacy or even a sporting event.
"Even our people should know that those staying across the border are not sworn enemies," the former army chief said.
"Disputes should be resolved through discussion, but this does not mean we cannot use military force. India is a country that speaks the language of peace but we will not hesitate to use force if needed," Naravane added.
VIDEO | Mumbai: On RSS leader Dattatreya Hosabale advocating window of dialogue with Pakistan to be kept open, Former Army chief Gen MM Naravane (@ManojNaravane) says, “One important point is that people-to-people connections and contacts are extremely important. Ordinary people… pic.twitter.com/3pMmvynm43
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) May 13, 2026
