Fatwa Issued Against TVK Leader Over Controversial Iftar Party

Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam president Vijay, popularly known as Thalapathy Vijay, is facing religious and political backlash following a recent Iftar event he hosted in Chennai. A fatwa was issued by Maulana Shahabuddin Razvi Bareilvi, the President of the All India Muslim Jamaat, who accused the actor-politician of disrespecting Islamic values and portraying Muslims negatively in his films.

The Thalapathy Vijay Iftar event, held on March 7 at the YMCA Grounds, drew widespread attention as thousands attended, including Muslim religious leaders and supporters. However, the event soon sparked criticism after allegations surfaced that individuals who consumed alcohol and engaged in gambling were among the invitees—actions considered unacceptable during the holy month of Ramzan.

Maulana Razvi, who also heads Chashme Darul Ifta, stated that Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam president Vijay has used the Muslim community as a political tool while maintaining a problematic track record in his films. He cited Vijay’s film Beast as a prime example, alleging that it linked Muslims with terrorism and militancy.

Actor-turned-politician and TVK leader Vijay is under fire after a fatwa was issued against him by Maulana Shahabuddin Razvi Bareilvi, President of the All India Muslim Jamaat. The fatwa targets the recent TVK leader Iftar party, alleging the event violated Islamic norms and was politically motivated.

Held on March 7 at Chennai’s YMCA Grounds, the TVK leader Iftar party was attended by thousands, including religious scholars and political supporters. While initially praised as a gesture of inclusivity, the event drew backlash when accusations emerged that individuals who consumed alcohol and engaged in gambling were among the guests—actions considered inappropriate during Ramadan.

Maulana Razvi condemned the actor’s political outreach, stating, “Vijay has portrayed Muslims as terrorists in films like Beast and is now attempting to win over the community through symbolic gestures like this Iftar party. It’s hypocrisy and disrespect.”

He urged Sunni Muslims in Tamil Nadu to avoid supporting TVK leader Vijay, advising that they neither attend his functions nor invite him to religious gatherings. According to the cleric, the fatwa was issued following requests from Tamil Nadu Muslims who were upset over both Vijay’s cinematic portrayals and the guest list at the TVK leader Iftar party.

Adding to the controversy, the Tamil Nadu Sunnat Jamaat filed a complaint with Chennai Police on March 11, alleging mismanagement at the Iftar and accusing the organizers of including non-fasting, disruptive attendees. “It insulted the sanctity of the holy month,” said treasurer Syed Kaus.

Amid this storm, TVK leader Vijay also remains entangled in a Supreme Court case, having recently filed a petition challenging the constitutional validity of the Waqf (Amendment) Act 2025.

With the fatwa and legal disputes piling up, the TVK leader Iftar party has become a flashpoint in Vijay’s early political career, casting a shadow over his attempts to present himself as a unifying leader.