{{short description|Indian politician}} {{Use dmy dates|date=May 2018}} {{Use Indian English|date=May 2018}} {{Infobox officeholder | name = H Raja | image = H Raja.png | image_size = 200 | birth_name = Hariharan Raja Sharma <ref name=":4" /><ref name="fullname" /> | birth_date = {{birth date and age|1957|09|29|df=y}}<ref>{{cite web|title=Mentions his date of birth here at 7:26 .|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g5xwvoW83S4|publisher=YouTube|access-date=10 December 2017}}</ref><ref name="auto">{{cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-tamilnadu/profile-of-bjp-candidates/article5817536.ece|title=Profile of BJP candidates|date=22 March 2014|access-date=10 December 2017|newspaper=The Hindu}}</ref> | birth_place = Melattur, Thanjavur district, India | father = Hariharan Sharma <ref name=":0" /> | office = | term_start = | term_end = | office1 = Passenger Amenities Committee, Ministry of Railways (India)<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-tamilnadu/raja-assures-more-passenger-amenities/article19773326.ece|title=Raja assures more passenger amenities|date=29 September 2017|access-date=10 December 2017|newspaper=The Hindu}}</ref> | term_start1 = November 2014 | term_end1 = | office2 = Member of Legislative Assembly | constituency2 = Karaikudi | term_start2 = 13 May 2001 | term_end2 = 11 May 2006 | predecessor2 = N. Sundaram | successor2 = N. Sundaram | party = Bharatiya Janata Party | profession = Chartered Accountant, Politician | alma_mater = Madurai Kamaraj University | date = | year = | signature = }}
'''Hariharan Raja Sharma'''<ref name=":4">{{cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/rajinis-spiritual-politics-will-not-eat-into-bjp-vote-base/articleshow/73644082.cms|title=Rajinikanth's spiritual politics will not eat into our vote base: BJP |date=January 27, 2020|first=V. |last=Mayilvaganan |website=The Times of India|language=en|access-date=2020-02-02}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/h-raja-best-bjp-can-offer-tn-and-s-why-party-will-continue-fail-77714|title=H Raja is the best BJP can offer to TN, and that's why the party will continue to fail|date=March 9, 2018|website=The news minute|access-date=2019-10-15}}</ref><ref name="fullname">{{cite web|title=ஹெச் ராஜா|url=https://tamil.samayam.com/topics/h-raja|access-date=2021-09-30|website=Samayam Tamil|language=ta}}</ref> also known as '''H. Raja''' is an Indian politician. He started his political-social life as an Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) promoter.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.financialexpress.com/india-news/tracing-the-rise-of-h-raja-bjps-firebrand-leader-from-tamil-nadu-in-news-for-targeting-periyar/1091308/|title=Tracing the rise of H Raja: BJP's firebrand leader from Tamil Nadu, in news for targeting Periyar|date=2018-03-08|website=The Financial Express|language=en-US|access-date=2019-10-02}}</ref> He was a MLA representing the Karaikudi constituency in the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly from 2001 to 2006, as part of the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK)-led alliance.<ref name="auto"/> He was one of the national secretaries of the Bharatiya Janata Party from 2014 to 2020.<ref name="puthiyathalaimurai.com">{{cite web|url=http://www.puthiyathalaimurai.com/newsview/82198/The-list-of-national-executives-released-by-the-BJP-No-one-from-Tamil-Nadu-has-a-place|title=பாஜக வெளியிட்டுள்ள தேசிய நிர்வாகிகள் பட்டியல் - தமிழகத்தைச் சேர்ந்த யாருக்கும் இடம் இல்லை}}</ref>
H. Raja is known for his controversial statements<ref name=":8">{{cite web|date=2020-01-23|title=Madras HC directs police to file charge sheet against BJP's H Raja for abusing judiciary|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/madras-hc-directs-police-to-file-charge-sheet-against-bjp-s-h-raja-for-abusing-judiciary/story-lpFpNUjxVrqV0tLIIjMKQM.html|access-date=2021-09-30|website=Hindustan Times|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|date=2018-10-22|title=Got emotional: BJP's H Raja apologises to court for 'vulgar' remarks|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/in-a-fit-of-rage-bjp-s-h-raja-clarifies-apologises-to-madras-high-court-for-remarks/story-dEpHVdPacmMRNqs95I2jRP.html|access-date=2021-09-30|website=Hindustan Times|language=en}}</ref><ref name="defeat2019" /> and statements against other religions.<ref name=":6" /><ref name=":7" />
==Personal life== H. Raja was born as Hariharan Raja Sharma<ref name=":4" /> in a village called Melattur near Thanjavur to Hariharan Sharma and Lalitha in a Tamil Brahmin family.<ref name=":0">{{cite web|url=https://www.deccanchronicle.com/nation/current-affairs/240118/sanskrit-has-scope-to-tap-treasure-of-knowledge-banwarilal-purohit.html|title=Sanskrit has scope to tap treasure of knowledge: Banwarilal Purohit|date=2018-01-24|website=Deccan Chronicle|language=en|access-date=2020-02-02}}</ref><ref name=":5">{{cite web|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/india/rise-of-h-raja-leader-who-is-not-afraid-of-stoking-fire-5090204/|title=Rise of H Raja Sharma: Leader who is not afraid of stoking fire|date=2018-03-08|website=The Indian Express|language=en-IN|access-date=2019-10-02}}</ref> His father Hariharan Sharma who was also an active RSS member went to jail when RSS was banned in 1948.{{Citation needed|date=February 2026}} H. Raja published the biggest Tamil-Sanskrit dictionary with over 45,000 words compiled by his father after his demise.<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/guv-releases-tamil-sanskrit-lexicon-with-45k-words/articleshow/62625612.cms|title=Governor releases Tamil-Sanskrit lexicon with 45,000 words |date=January 24, 2018|first=M. T.|last=Saju |website=The Times of India|language=en|access-date=2020-02-02}}</ref>{{Clarify|reason=One source says Hindi and another says Sanskrit which one is correct?|date=February 2026}}
By profession, Raja is a chartered accountant.<ref>[https://www.financialexpress.com/india-news/tracing-the-rise-of-h-raja-bjps-firebrand-leader-from-tamil-nadu-in-news-for-targeting-periyar/1091308/ Tracing the rise of H Raja: BJP’s firebrand leader from Tamil Nadu, in news for targeting Periyar]</ref>
==Political career== H. Raja was a Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh activist before he joined the BJP in 1989.<ref name="auto"/> He assumed several roles in BJP including district convener in 1991, followed by state secretary, state general secretary and then, national secretary in 2014.{{citation needed|date=October 2021}}
Raja unsuccessfully contested the 1998 Lok Sabha elections.<ref name="auto" /> Raja was given a BJP candidate seat from Sivaganga in 1993 and lost.<ref name=":2">{{cite web|title=Karaikudi remains Congress bastion, H Raja loses again|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/tamil-nadu/2021/may/04/karaikudi-remains-congress-bastion-h-raja-loses-again-2298242.html|access-date=2021-09-29|website=The New Indian Express}}</ref> He was elected as an MLA for the Karaikudi constituency in the 2001 Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly Election, as a part of DMK-led alliance.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Wayback Machine |url=http://eci.nic.in/eci_main/StatisticalReports/SE_2001/Stat_Rep_TN_2001.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101006173934/http://eci.nic.in/eci_main/StatisticalReports/SE_2001/Stat_Rep_TN_2001.pdf |archive-date=2010-10-06 |access-date=2026-02-03 |website=eci.nic.in}}</ref> Raja lost in the state assembly elections from Thyagarayanagar constituency in 2006.<ref name=":2" /> He was the BJP candidate from Sivaganga constituency in the 2014 Indian general elections, but lost to AIADMK's P.R. Senthilnathan.<ref>{{cite web|last=Yamunan|first=Sruthisagar|title=The Daily Fix: BJP is trying to polarise Tamil Nadu and the state government is looking away|url=https://scroll.in/article/894630/the-daily-fix-bjp-is-trying-to-polarise-tamil-nadu-and-the-state-government-is-looking-away|access-date=2021-09-29|website=Scroll.in|language=en-US}}</ref>
In the 2016 Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly election Raja contested from Alandur constituency and lost.<ref name=":2" /> In February 2016, Raja was appointed the chairman of Passenger Amenities Committee.<ref>{{cite web|title=BJP National Secretary to Chair Railway Passenger Amenities Committee, 2G Whistleblower Aseervatham Achary Member|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/chennai/2016/feb/19/bjp-national-secretary-to-chair-railway-passenger-amenities-committee-2g-whistleblower-aseervatham-achary-member-894498.html|access-date=2021-09-29|website=The New Indian Express}}</ref> The committee addresses the grievances of the passengers and ensures cleanliness, hygiene and safety of the passengers.<ref>{{cite web|title=Railway Board Order|url=http://www.indianrailways.gov.in/railwayboard/uploads/irpersonel/Promotion_Posting/ERB-1/2016/PP_ERB1_030316_II.PDF|access-date=10 December 2017|website=Indianrailways.gov.in}}</ref> In 2017, the committee approved the printing of passenger train tickets in regional languages such as Tamil, Telugu, Gujarati and Odia.<ref>{{cite web|title=Railway tickets in Tamil from Pongal|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/railway-tickets-in-tamil-from-pongal/articleshow/59362801.cms|access-date=10 December 2017|website=Timesofindia.indiatimes.com}}</ref>
H. Raja contested Bharat Scouts and Guides (Tamil Nadu) in 2017 for the post of president and managed to secure only 52 of the 286 votes polled (18.18%) and lost against P. Mani who got 234 votes (81.82%). However Raja refused to accept his defeat and said the election has to be countermanded.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Edmond|first=Deepu Sebastian|date=2017-09-16|title=BJP's Raja loses bid to head Scouts and Guides|language=en-IN|work=The Hindu|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/bjps-raja-loses-bid-to-head-scouts-and-guides/article19700773.ece|access-date=2018-08-23|issn=0971-751X}}</ref>
In September 2019, the people of the Veppur village in Karur district along with both DMK and AIADMK members printed and pasted posters across the village opposing H Raja's arrival for the upcoming Vinayagar Chathurthi festival fearing possibility of communal violence that could be caused due to his statements. On the day of Vinayagar Chathurthi, the police of the village imposed 144 to prevent the entry of H. Raja in the village.<ref>{{cite web|title=எச்.ராஜாவிற்கு எதிராக ஒன்னு சேர்ந்த திமுக, அதிமுக! அதிருப்தியான எச்.ராஜா!|url=https://www.nakkheeran.in/24-by-7-news/politics/dmk-and-admk-politicians-against-bjp-hraja|url-status=live|access-date=2019-09-06|website=nakkheeran|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190906163440/https://www.nakkheeran.in/24-by-7-news/politics/dmk-and-admk-politicians-against-bjp-hraja|archive-date=6 September 2019|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2019-09-01|title=ஊருக்குள் வந்தால் மோதல் ஏற்படும் - எச். ராஜா வருகைக்கு எதிராக கிராம மக்கள் போஸ்டர்|url=https://tamil.news18.com/news/tamil-nadu/posters-against-bjp-leader-h-raja-visit-2-san-201001.html|access-date=2021-12-07|website=News18 Tamil|language=ta}}</ref>
He was a candidate for the Lok Sabha in the 2019 election but lost to Karti Chidambaram.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.businesstoday.in/lok-sabha-elections-2019/news/lok-sabha-election-result-2019-karti-chidambaram-takes-a-lead-in-tamil-nadu--sivaganga-h-raja-trails/story/349232.html|title=Lok Sabha Election result 2019: Congress' Karti Chidambaram takes a lead in Tamil Nadu's Sivaganga; BJP's H Raja trails|website=www.businesstoday.in|access-date=2020-01-09}}</ref> He was removed from his post as BJP national secretary on 26 September 2020.<ref name="puthiyathalaimurai.com" /><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/h-raja-to-head-bjps-manifesto-panel/article7679168.ece|title=H. Raja to head BJP's manifesto panel|first=Sruthisagar|last=Yamunan|date=23 September 2015|access-date=10 December 2017|newspaper=The Hindu}}</ref>
Raja contested from Karaikudi in the 2021 Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly election and lost to INC candidate S Mangudi.<ref>{{cite web|title=Karaikudi remains Congress bastion, H Raja loses again|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/tamil-nadu/2021/may/04/karaikudi-remains-congress-bastion-h-raja-loses-again-2298242.html|access-date=2021-09-30|website=The New Indian Express}}</ref> After the election, the BJP Sivangangai district president and many senior executives resigned in protest against H Raja and over 90 BJP functionaries threatened to resign alleging highhandedness and mismanagement of party funds by Raja.<ref>{{Cite news|title=ஹெச்.ராஜாவுக்கு எதிராக கூண்டோடு ராஜிநாமா - சிவகங்கை பா.ஜ.கவில் வெடிக்கும் பூசல்|language=ta|work=BBC News தமிழ்|url=https://www.bbc.com/tamil/india-57581205|access-date=2021-09-30}}</ref> The cadres alleged that H Raja hasn't spent the party funds from the BJP but has been constructing a new house at a budget of ₹4 crore and a farmhouse, and questioned the source of money.<ref>{{cite web|date=2021-06-24|title=Big trouble for H Raja from home...What's the friction and will BJP take action against him?|url=https://www.thenewstuff.in/big-trouble-h-raja-homewhats-friction-and-will-bjp-take-action-against-him|access-date=2021-09-30|website=The New Stuff|language=en}}</ref> The BJP district president said that he feared that Raja might cause harm to his family members through the BJP district vice president.<ref>{{cite web|agency=TNN|date=Jun 24, 2021|title=BJP cadres up in arms against H Raja in Sivaganga {{!}} Madurai News - Times of India|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/madurai/bjp-cadres-up-in-arms-against-h-raja-in-sivaganga/articleshow/83792648.cms|access-date=2021-09-30|website=The Times of India|language=en}}</ref>
== Statements == ''The Indian Express'' reported that H Raja has a history of speaking against other religions, inciting communal disharmony and making inflammatory speeches.<ref name=":7">{{cite web|date=2018-09-20|title=H Raja does it again: Why the BJP leader finds himself in another soup|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/india/h-raja-does-it-again-why-the-bjp-leader-finds-himself-in-another-soup-5365679/|access-date=2021-09-30|website=The Indian Express|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|date=2016-02-22|title=If he's a patriot, D Raja should demand communists to shoot, kill his daughter: BJP's H Raja|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/india/politics/if-hes-a-patriot-d-raja-should-demand-communists-shoot-kill-his-daughter-bjps-h-raja/|access-date=2021-09-30|website=The Indian Express|language=en}}</ref> ''Deccan Herald'' reported that H Raja has a custom of labelling everyone who questions the BJP, the RSS, or Narendra Modi as "anti-Indian" and infusing a communal tone into every incident.<ref name=":6">{{cite web|date=2018-09-17|title=TN BJP leader Raja's penchant for controversies|url=https://www.deccanherald.com/national/tn-bjp-leader-rajas-penchant-693070.html|access-date=2021-09-30|website=Deccan Herald|language=en}}</ref>
The Director General of Police (DGP) filed a case against H. Raja in October 2014 for making inflammatory public speeches against Jesus, Muslims, Christians and Periyar in a meeting organized by the 'Hindu Dharma protection movement' in January 2014.<ref name=":3">{{Citation|title=ஹெச்.ராஜாவின் கதை {{!}} H. Raja Story {{!}} கதைகளின் கதை {{!}} 17.11.2018|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=srd9lbL6zrQ|language=en|access-date=2021-09-29}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=S|first=Mohamed Imranullah|date=3 December 2014|title=Police file case against BJP's H. Raja|newspaper=The Hindu|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Madurai/police-register-case-against-bjps-h-raja-after-10-months-his-malicious-speech/article6658263.ece|via=www.thehindu.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|last=S|first=Mohammed Imranullah|date=2014-12-04|title=Police file case against H. Raja|language=en-IN|work=The Hindu|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/police-file-case-against-h-raja/article6659760.ece|access-date=2021-09-30|issn=0971-751X}}</ref> Earlier various political groups and organizations filed a complaint to the DGP asking to take action against Raja for claiming that "Christians and Muslims are not Tamil people" in the meeting, where the audience responded with statements such as "beat them, kill them". The complainants said such speeches had created communal violence before.<ref>{{Citation|title=Legal action to be taken against H.Raja of BJP for insulting Muslims, Christians & Periyar|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LygX3V2LbVs|language=en|access-date=2021-09-30}}</ref> Later, Raja sought to ban Burqas for Muslim students and claimed they use it to cheat in exams. His statements led to protests by Muslims groups demanding action but no action was taken against him.<ref name=":3" />
The Madras High Court has directed the Chennai police to register an FIR against him in October 2017 and investigate H Raja's statement which the complainant claimed could instigate communal riots, when H Raja falsely claimed that an attack on a man is done by Muslim outfits.<ref>{{Cite web |title=கலவரத்தை தூண்டும் பேச்சு: ஹெச்.ராஜா மீது வழக்குப்பதிவு செய்ய உத்தரவு |url=https://www.puthiyathalaimurai.com/newsview/16549/Madras-High-court-ordered-to-file-case-on-Bjp-leader-H-Raja-if-have-proper-grounds |access-date=2022-03-30 |website=Puthiyathalaimurai |language=ta}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=HC directs city police to register FIR against H Raja|url=https://www.outlookindia.com/newsscroll/hc-directs-city-police-to-register-fir-against-h-raja/1164042}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=HC directs city police to register FIR against H Raja|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/pti-feed/story/hc-directs-city-police-to-register-fir-against-h-raja-1061135-2017-10-09|access-date=2021-09-30|website=India Today|language=en}}</ref> In October 2017, H. Raja claimed that actor Vijay is a Christian and claimed that is the reason for the criticism of GST in his film and his hate for Modi.<ref>{{cite web|title='Mersal Actor Vijay Is Christian So He Hates PM Modi,' Says BJP Leader H Raja|url=https://www.ndtv.com/tamil-nadu-news/mersel-actor-vijay-is-christian-so-he-hates-pm-modi-says-bjp-leader-h-raja-1765998|access-date=2020-08-31|website=NDTV.com}}</ref> Posting a photo of actor Vijay's voter's ID and official letterhead which showed his full name and indicated that Vijay is a Christian and said "Truth is bitter".<ref>{{cite web|date=24 October 2017|title=BJP leader H Raja gives communal twist to Mersal fracas|url=https://www.deccanchronicle.com/nation/current-affairs/241017/bjp-leader-h-raja-gives-communal-twist-to-mersal-fracas.html}}</ref> Many people claimed that Vijay's religion is irrelevant to the controversy.<ref>{{cite web|date=2017-10-23|title=BJP leader tweets 'truth' about Vijay's religion, gets it from actor's fans|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/regional-movies/bjp-leader-tweets-truth-about-vijay-s-religion-gets-it-from-actor-s-fans/story-HQ8kqdFNeQsb4umhGkV7VJ.html|access-date=2021-09-30|website=Hindustan Times|language=en}}</ref>
On 22 March 2018, the Madras High court requested the Chennai police to check his mental health after a lawyer accused him of speaking to create violence and communal disharmony.<ref>{{cite web|date=2018-03-23|title=HC wants to know if Raja underwent psychiatry analysis - Tamil News|url=https://www.indiaglitz.com/hc-wants-to-know-if-raja-underwent-psychiatry-analysis-tamil-news-209847|access-date=2019-10-06|website=IndiaGlitz.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|date=2018-03-22|title=ஹெச்.ராஜாவை மனநல பரிசோதனைக்கு அனுப்ப கோரும் வழக்கு - உயர்நீதிமன்றம் நோட்டீஸ்|url=https://tamil.news18.com/news/tamil-nadu/case-to-send-h-raja-to-mental-health-examination-high-court-orders-police-department-for-explanation-11169.html|access-date=2019-10-02|website=News18 Tamil}}</ref> On March 6, 2018, A remark was posted from the verified Facebook page of BJP National Secretary H. Raja, stating, "Who is Lenin? What is his connection to India? What is the connection of communists to India? Lenin's statue was destroyed in Tripura. Today Lenin's statue, tomorrow Tamil Nadu's EVR Ramaswami's statue”. Raja blamed his Facebook administrator and said he had removed him and later apologised.<ref>{{cite web|date=2018-03-08|title=Admin posted it, says apologetic H Raja|url=https://www.deccanchronicle.com/nation/politics/080318/admin-posted-it-says-apologetic-h-raja.html|access-date=2021-09-30|website=Deccan Chronicle|language=en}}</ref> The post was soon deleted.<ref>{{cite web|date=6 March 2018|title=After Lenin statue razed in Tripura, TN BJP members warn Periyar is next|url=https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/after-lenin-statue-razed-tripura-tn-bjp-members-warn-periyar-next-77502}}</ref> After MDMK leader Vaiko began criticising Narendra Modi, Raja threatened Vaiko claiming that his "safe return" home could not be assured.<ref name=":5" /><ref>{{cite web|title=Venkaiah slams TN BJP leader's comments on Raja's daughter|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/Venkaiah-slams-TN-BJP-leaders-comments-on-Rajas-daughter/articleshow/51099865.cms|access-date=10 December 2017|website=Timesofindia.indiatimes.com}}</ref> H Raja in September 2018, accused AIDMK MP A Arunmozhithevan of encroaching land belonging to the temples, Arunmozhithevan challenged to prove the allegations and claimed that Raja is mentally affected and seeking to created communal tensions in the state.<ref>{{cite web|title=BJP: Raja is mentally affected, wants to create communal clash: MPs {{!}} Chennai News - Times of India|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/raja-is-mentally-affected-wants-to-create-communal-clash-mps/articleshow/65879865.cms|access-date=2021-09-30|website=The Times of India|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=AIADMK MP rejects encroachment charge|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/tamil-nadu/2018/sep/20/aiadmk-mp-rejects-encroachment-charge-1874524.html|access-date=2021-09-30|website=The New Indian Express}}</ref> Later, around 500 students of Thiru Vi Ka college blocked roads demanding action against Raja for his habit of making derogatory statements. The Central Crime branch registered cases against Raja.<ref>{{cite web|last=|date=2018-09-25|title=H Raja booked over MP's complaint|url=https://www.dtnext.in/news/tamilnadu/h-raja-booked-over-mps-complaint|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210926134854/https://www.dtnext.in/News/TamilNadu/2018/09/25034716/1089770/H-Raja-booked-over-MPs-complaint.vpf|archive-date=26 September 2021|url-status=live|access-date=2021-09-30|website=dtNext.in|language=en}}</ref>
H. Raja called DMK MP Kanimozhi an illegitimate child of M. Karunanidhi in April 2018. Kanimozhi said that she would not respond to him.<ref>{{Cite news|date=2018-04-18|title=BJP leader H Raja calls DMK's Kanimozhi 'illegitimate' child of Karunanidhi|work=Business Standard India|url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/politics/bjp-leader-h-raja-calls-dmk-s-kanimozhi-illegitimate-child-of-karunanidhi-118041800750_1.html|access-date=2021-09-30}}</ref> The incident created a widespread agitation by the DMK and other political parties. The Karumathampatti police booked him on defamatory charges after five months.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Thomas|first=Wilson|date=2018-09-22|title=H. Raja booked for tweet against Kanimozhi|language=en-IN|work=The Hindu|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/h-raja-booked-for-tweet-against-kanimozhi/article25015720.ece|access-date=2021-09-30|issn=0971-751X}}</ref> On September 2, 2020, H Raja falsely claimed in his social media post that a murder of a man was committed by Muslims, since then many other popular BJP verified handles amplified with ''#HindusInDanger'' hashtag.<ref name=":1">{{cite web|last=Radhakrishnan|first=R. K.|title=A new low in Tamil Nadu BJP leader H. Raja's communal bigotry|url=https://frontline.thehindu.com/dispatches/a-new-low-in-tamil-nadu-bjp-leader-h-rajas-communal-bigotry/article32504195.ece|access-date=2020-09-02|website=Frontline|language=en}}</ref> Tamil Nadu Police clarified that it was a case of personal enmity where the ones involved in this crime belonged to different religious backgrounds.<ref>{{cite web|date=2020-09-02|title=Do not attribute religious motives: Tamil Nadu police on murder of youth|url=https://www.deccanherald.com/national/south/do-not-attribute-religious-motives-tamil-nadu-police-on-murder-of-youth-881614.html|access-date=2020-09-02|website=Deccan Herald|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|date=2020-09-05|title=Former Ramanathapuram SP Varun Kumar posted as SP of office automation in Chennai|url=https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/former-ramanathapuram-sp-varun-kumar-posted-sp-office-automation-chennai-132386|access-date=2021-09-30|website=The News Minute|language=en}}</ref> Raja statements during an interview in September 2021 were condemned by the Chennai Press Club, Centre of Media Persons for Change<ref>{{Cite web|title=பத்திரிகையாளர்களை இழிவுபடுத்தும் வகையில் பேசிய H.ராஜா- மாற்றத்திற்கான ஊடகவியலாளர் மையம் கண்டனம். {{!}} Aran Sei|date=28 September 2021|url=https://www.aransei.com/news/all-news-companies-must-reject-h-raja/|access-date=2021-12-07|language=en-US}}</ref> after he called journalists as "presstitutes".<ref>{{Cite web|title=Chennai Press Club condemns BJP leader H Raja for calling media 'presstitutes'|url=https://www.newslaundry.com/2021/09/28/chennai-press-club-condemns-bjp-leader-h-raja-for-calling-media-presstitutes|access-date=2021-12-07|website=Newslaundry}}</ref> Journalists and activists asked the media to boycott Raja's meetings in the future.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-09-28|title=Chennai: Former BJP national secretary H Raja uses derogatory term for mediapersons|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/chennai/former-bjp-national-secretary-uses-derogatory-term-for-mediapersons-7539816/|access-date=2021-12-07|website=The Indian Express|language=en}}</ref>
== Legal proceeding == On 22 October 2018, Raja apologised to Madras High Court after he was caught on camera abusing the police and the higher judiciary with derogatory words.<ref>{{cite web|last=Vasudevan|first=Lokpria|title=Spoke in a fit of rage: BJP's H Raja says sorry for derogatory remarks on court|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/h-raja-apology-madras-high-court-1372752-2018-10-22|website=India Today|language=en}}</ref> The video showed Raja abusing the Madras High Court and the police because he was not permitted to enter a communally sensitive area and the Hindu Munnani was not permitted erect a stage on the road near a mosque. Raja was heard accusing the police officers of being "corrupt" and "anti-Hindu," and claiming that they were on the payrolls of Christian and Muslim organisations.<ref name=":8" /><ref>{{cite web|title=BJP leader H Raja's anticipatory bail plea junked by Madras HC|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/tamil-nadu/2021/jul/20/bjp-leader-h-rajas-anticipatory-bail-plea-junked-by-madras-hc-2332596.html|access-date=2021-09-30|website=The New Indian Express}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Yamunan|first=Sruthisagar|title=The Daily Fix: BJP is trying to polarise Tamil Nadu and the state government is looking away|url=https://scroll.in/article/894630/the-daily-fix-bjp-is-trying-to-polarise-tamil-nadu-and-the-state-government-is-looking-away|access-date=2021-09-30|website=Scroll.in|language=en-US}}</ref> Initially, he claimed the video was fake and later he said that it happened in a fit of rage before appearing against the judges of the Madras high court.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/bjp-leader-h-raja-apologises-to-madras-high-court-for-derogatory-remarks-says-spoke-in-a-fit-of-rage-1935481|title = "Spoke in Fit of Rage": BJP Leader H Raja Apologises to Madras High Court}}</ref> The Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court in January 2020 directed the Thirumayam police to file a final report on the investigation into the incident.<ref>{{cite web|date=2020-01-24|title=H Raja to be chargesheeted for abusing HC|url=https://www.dtnext.in/news/tamilnadu/h-raja-to-be-chargesheeted-for-abusing-hc|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210930063805/https://www.dtnext.in/News/TamilNadu/2020/01/24022326/1211058/H-Raja-to-be-chargesheeted-for-abusing-HC.vpf|url-status=live|archive-date=30 September 2021|access-date=2021-09-30|website=dtNext.in|language=en}}</ref> The Court granted additional time of two months to the Thirumayam Police to file a final report after the police requested it in January 2020.<ref>{{Cite news|author=Staff Reporter|date=2020-07-24|title=H. Raja case: HC grants more time to file report|language=en-IN|work=The Hindu|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Madurai/h-raja-case-hc-grants-more-time-to-file-report/article32185514.ece|access-date=2021-09-30|issn=0971-751X}}</ref> Raja sought anticipatory bail in July 2020 after the police filed a chargesheet.<ref>{{Cite news|author=Staff Reporter|date=2021-07-14|title=BJP leader H. Raja seeks anticipatory bail|language=en-IN|work=The Hindu|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Madurai/bjp-leader-h-raja-seeks-anticipatory-bail/article35328318.ece|access-date=2021-09-30|issn=0971-751X}}</ref> The court dismissed his plea in the same month citing that Raja should appear before the Judicial Magistrate.<ref>{{cite web|last=|date=2021-07-20|title=HC dismisses anticipatory bail plea of H Raja|url=https://www.dtnext.in/news/tamilnadu/hc-dismisses-anticipatory-bail-plea-of-h-raja|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210806041758/https://www.dtnext.in/News/TamilNadu/2021/07/20025318/1307696/HC-dismisses-anticipatory-bail-plea-of-H-Raja.vpf|archive-date=6 August 2021|url-status=live|access-date=2021-09-30|website=dtNext.in|language=en}}</ref>
== Elections == ===Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly Elections=== H. Raja had represented as MLA of Karaikudi in the Tamil Nadu Assembly from 2001 to 2006.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://eci.nic.in/eci_main/StatisticalReports/SE_2001/Stat_Rep_TN_2001.pdf|title=Statistical Report on General Election, 2001 to the Legislative Assembly of Taamil Nadu|website=Eci.nic.in|access-date=10 December 2017}}</ref> {| class="wikitable" |- !Year !Election !Party !Constituency !Result !Votes gained !Vote % |- |2001 |2001 Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly Election |Bharatiya Janata Party |Karaikudi |{{Won}} |54,093 |48.40% |- |2006 |2006 Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly Election |Bharatiya Janata Party |Alandur |{{Lost}} |9,298 |3.27%<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.empoweringindia.org/new/constituency.aspx?eid=169&cid=19|title=Alandur Assembly Election 2006, Tamil Nadu|website=Empoweringindia.org|access-date=10 December 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171115015113/http://www.empoweringindia.org/new/constituency.aspx?eid=169&cid=19|archive-date=15 November 2017|url-status=usurped}}</ref> |- |2016 |2016 Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly Election |Bharatiya Janata Party |Thyagaraya Nagar |{{Lost}} |19,888 |14.01%<ref>{{cite web|url=http://eci.nic.in/eci_main/archiveofge2016/10-Detailed%20Resultstamil.pdf|title=Tamil Nadu General Legislative Election 2016|website=Eci.nic.in|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170215123203/http://eci.nic.in/eci_main/archiveofge2016/10-Detailed%20Resultstamil.pdf|archive-date=2017-02-15|url-status=dead|access-date=10 December 2017}}</ref> |- |2021 |2021 Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly Election |Bharatiya Janata Party |Karaikudi |{{Lost}} |54,365 |25.59%<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.timesnownews.com/elections/karaikudi-tamil-nadu-election-result-2021|title = Karaikudi Assembly Election Results 2021 - Karaikudi Vidhan Sabha Election Results}}</ref> |}
=== Indian general elections (Lok Sabha) === H. Raja electoral performances in the Indian general elections (Lok Sabha). {| class="wikitable" |- !Year !Election !colspan="2"|Party !PC Name !Result !Votes gained !Vote % |- |1999 |13th Lok Sabha |style="background-color: {{party color|Bharatiya Janata Party}}" | |Bharatiya Janata Party |Sivaganga |{{Lost}} |2,22,267 |36.34%{{citation needed|date=March 2022}} |- |2014 |16th Lok Sabha |style="background-color: {{party color|Bharatiya Janata Party}}" | |Bharatiya Janata Party |Sivaganga |{{Lost}} |1,33,763 |13.02% |- |2019 |17th Lok Sabha |style="background-color: {{party color|Bharatiya Janata Party}}" | |Bharatiya Janata Party |Sivaganga |{{Lost}} |2,33,860 |21.56%<ref name="defeat2019">{{Cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Madurai/h-raja-suffers-yet-another-defeat/article27239679.ece|title=H. Raja suffers yet another defeat|last=Sivaganga|first=Special Correspondent|date=2019-05-24|work=The Hindu|access-date=2019-08-23|language=en-IN|issn=0971-751X}}</ref> |- |}
==References== {{Reflist}}
== External links == {{Commons category|H. Raja}}{{Wikiquote|H. Raja}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Raja, H.}} Category:Living people Category:1957 births Category:Bharatiya Janata Party politicians from Tamil Nadu Category:Tamil Nadu MLAs 2001–2006 Category:Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh members Category:Madurai Kamaraj University alumni Category:Politicians from Thanjavur district Category:Tamil businesspeople Category:Indian accountants