Mon Feb 17 10:13:54 UTC 2025: **Tamil Magazine Website Blocked After Satirical Cartoon of Modi and Trump**

CHENNAI, INDIA – The website of popular Tamil magazine Vikatan was blocked for users in various locations following the publication of a satirical cartoon depicting Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump. The cartoon, published on February 10th, referenced the recent deportation of over 300 Indian immigrants from the US.

Vikatan confirmed the website blockage on Saturday, stating that it had received numerous reports from readers unable to access http://www.vikatan.com. The magazine vehemently denied any wrongdoing and vowed to challenge the block legally, asserting its commitment to freedom of expression. While some internet service providers (ISPs) reportedly blocked access, others reportedly reversed the action pending official government orders.

The controversy was sparked by complaints filed by Tamil Nadu BJP chief K. Annamalai with the Press Council of India and Minister of State L. Murugan. Annamalai alleged that the cartoon, which showed Modi shackled next to a laughing Trump, was offensive and undermined the government’s efforts regarding the deportation issue. He accused Vikatan of being a mouthpiece for the DMK party and publishing “fake and defamatory” content.

The incident has sparked a political firestorm. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and DMK leader M.K. Stalin condemned the website blocking as an attack on democratic principles, demanding its immediate restoration. His criticism was echoed by actors-turned-politicians Kamal Haasan and Vijay, who both defended Vikatan’s right to freedom of expression. Haasan stated that while he may not agree with all of Vikatan’s opinions, he opposes any attempts to suppress such expression.

The BJP’s Narayanan Thirupathy responded by accusing the DMK of hypocrisy regarding freedom of speech, referencing arrests of critics of the state government. The central government has yet to officially comment on the matter.

Read More