Chennai: Maestro Ilaiyaraaja’s praise for PM Narendra Modi and comparing him to Dr B R Ambedkar is witnessing both opposition and support on social media while BJP national president J P Nadda has hit out at harsh criticism.

The celebrated Tamil composer, in his foreword to a book ‘Ambedkar & Modi, Reformer’s Ideas, Performer’s Implementation’, by Bluekraft Digital Foundation, has made the comparison and lauded pro-women initiatives like the ‘Beti Bachao Beti Padhao’.

The criticism on social media since Saturday against Ilaiyaraaja could be summed up as ideological, which claim that Modi cannot be compared to Ambedkar as the former is committed to Hindutva while the latter is a reformist leader who dedicated his entire life for the upliftment of oppressed people.

Supporters defend the praise for Modi saying the maestro has only pointed out a fact that both the Prime Minister and Ambedkar went on to succeed against all odds through sheer work and despite belonging to socially disempowered sections of society.

Also, they say Ilaiyaraaja commending Modi for schemes aimed at welfare of women, including a legislation against triple talaq, would have made Ambedkar proud.

The war of words spilled over to the political arena with the BJP coming out in full support to the renowned musician. The ruling DMK said no one from the party has expressed any opinion on the maestro’s comment on Modi. The DMK is also not inclined to spell out any view on the matter, said party MP and organising secretary R S Bharathi in a statement. Meanwhile, Ilaiyaraaja’s son Yuvan Raja (Yuvan Shankar Raja) in a Instagram post said he is a ‘Dark Dravidian, Proud Tamizhan’ seen by some people as a remark against the right wing.

Telangana Governor Dr Tamilisai Soundararajan, in a tweet, said, “Music Celebrity iconic legend Thiru. @ilaiyaraaja is the pride of TamilNadu & India. His expression from bottom of his heart saying #Modifullfillsambedkardreams is Welcome. as it reflects million brilliant fair minds.”