Chennai, Tamil Nadu – In a move that has triggered widespread anger and disbelief among the Hindu community, the DMK government has officially renamed Waddells Road in Kilpauk, Chennai, as ‘Archbishop Ezra Sargunam Road’, in honour of the late Ezra Sargunam — a Christian evangelical figure known for his openly anti-Hindu speeches and divisive rhetoric.
The newly named road was unveiled during a formal ceremony attended by senior DMK leaders including Minister Nehru, Hindu Religious & Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) Minister Sekarbabu, Chennai Mayor Priya, and DMK MLA Inigo Irudhayaraj. The presence of the HR&CE Minister — a portfolio specifically designated to oversee Hindu temples and institutions — at the inauguration of a road in the name of a known Hindu-baiting figure has further intensified criticism.
A Legacy of Hate
Ezra Sargunam, who passed away last year at the age of 86, was a key figure in the Evangelical Church of India (ECI) and maintained deep ties with the ruling DMK party. Despite his work in expanding Christian institutions, he was also notorious for his blatantly anti-Hindu public statements, many of which have been condemned as hateful and inflammatory.
In a particularly shocking speech in 2018, Sargunam called on Christians to physically attack Hindus, saying, “Punch them in the face and make them bleed if they refuse to accept the truth.” He also denied the very existence of Hinduism, stating, “There is no such thing as Hindu religion.” At another event, he openly urged the radical Islamist outfit SDPI to take action against Hindus opposing conversions, in the wake of the brutal killing of PMK activist Ramalingam in Tamil Nadu.
He often used public platforms to denigrate Hindu beliefs, insult Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and mock traditional Indian values — all while being supported and applauded by leaders from the DMK and allied parties.
Christian Appeasement Allegations Intensify
The DMK government’s decision to honour such a polarizing and openly Hinduphobic figure with a street name has been seen by many as a blatant act of Christian appeasement. Hindu activists, temple trustees, and religious leaders have expressed deep hurt and disappointment, questioning how someone with such a record of spreading hate against Hindus could be celebrated by the state.
“Would the government ever name a road after someone who insulted other religious communities in this manner?” asked a prominent Chennai-based Hindu scholar. “This is not secularism — it is selective targeting and institutional support for Hinduphobia.”
The inclusion of the HR&CE Minister at the inauguration has drawn additional outrage, as the department — meant to protect Hindu interests and oversee temple administration — is now seen participating in the glorification of a figure hostile to the very religion the ministry is supposed to serve.
A Question of Fairness and Respect
This episode has reignited the broader debate over state-sponsored bias against Hindus in Tamil Nadu, particularly under the DMK regime. It has also raised urgent questions about whether Hindu sentiments are being deliberately ignored or provoked under the guise of political loyalty or ideological alignment.
Many within the Hindu community are now demanding the revocation of the road renaming and a public apology from the DMK government for honoring an individual who not only insulted a faith followed by a billion people worldwide but also incited violence against its adherents.
