BJP's Assault on Tamil Nadu's Freedom of Expression: A Wake-Up Call

The recent blocking of Vikatan's website, following a cartoon depicting Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is a blatant attack on Tamil Nadu's cherished freedom of expression. This action exposes the BJP's true colors, contradicting the 'good cop' image they've attempted to project in our state. While journalism faces apathy in the North, with citizens prioritizing events like Kumbh Mela over the safety of journalists, Tamil Nadu has remained a bastion for press freedom. The BJP's interference in our political discourse is unprecedented and unacceptable. State BJP president K. Annamalai's efforts to present a favorable image of the party are undermined by such authoritarian actions. It's evident that the BJP's respect for democratic values is superficial at best. Moreover, the central government's withholding of ₹2,512 crore in PM-SHRI funds, diverting them to states like Uttar Pradesh and Gujarat, is a direct punishment for Tamil Nadu's refusal to implement the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. This coercive tactic undermines the rights of our students and disregards our state's policy decisions. Chief Minister M.K. Stalin has rightly condemned these actions, emphasizing that Tamil Nadu will not succumb to such blackmail. Our state's commitment to its principles and the welfare of its people remains unwavering. The BJP's recent maneuvers serve as a stark reminder of their disregard for regional autonomy and freedom of expression. It's imperative that we, as the people of Tamil Nadu, remain vigilant and resist any attempts to erode our rights and values. ### Sources: 1. [New Indian Express - Vikatan website blocked](https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/tamil-nadu/2025/Feb/16/vikatan-website-blocked-after-bjp-complaint-over-pm-modi-cartoon) 2. [New Indian Express - BJP diverting PM-SHRI funds](https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/tamil-nadu/2025/Feb/09/tn-cm-stalin-accuses-bjp-of-diverting-pm-shri-funds-to-other-states) 3. [Times of India - Stalin on PM-SHRI funds](https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/wont-accept-blackmail-stalin-on-pradhans-saa-funds-remark/articleshow/118309529.cms) 4. [Vikatan's statement on website block](https://www.vikatan.com/government-and-politics/statement-from-vikatan-regarding-website-block-and-freedom-of-expression) 5. [Hindustan Times - Vikatan website blocked](https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/tamil-nadu-magazine-website-blocked-row-erupts-101739734132802.html) 6. [The Telegraph - BJP complaint over cartoon](https://www.telegraphindia.com/india/tamil-digital-magazine-website-ananda-vikatan-blocked-after-bjp-complaint-over-cartoon-on-pm-modi/cid/2083954) 7. [The Wire - Press freedom concerns](https://m.thewire.in/article/media/vikatan-website-cartoon-press-freedom/amp) 8. [Deccan Herald - Tamil Nadu BJP protests](https://www.deccanherald.com/india/tamil-nadu/vikatan-website-blocked-after-tamil-nadu-bjp-protests-cartoon-on-pm-modi-3407894) 9. [NDTV - BJP vs DMK over Vikatan website block](https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/vikatan-website-blocked-pm-modi-donald-trump-cartoon-bjp-dmk-trade-jabs-over-tamil-website-blocked-for-pm-trump-cartoon-7730167) 10. [Wikipedia - Ananda Vikatan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ananda_Vikatan) 11. [Times of India - Tamil Nadu's opposition to 3-language policy](https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/tn-parties-against-3-language-policy/articleshow/118308484.cms) 12. [Hindustan Times - TN parties slam Union Minister over NEP](https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/tamil-nadu-parties-slam-union-minister-over-nep-remarks-101739733953841.html) 13. [YouTube - Discussion on Vikatan website block](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RRo_DqHPCMs)