There had been a lot of opposition, threat and blackmail after he posted his pro-Modi views a few days ago on Facebook, Joe, a Sahitya Akademi award recipient and a champion of the cause of fishermen, told PTI.
On the reaction in literary circles, he alleged "certain people blackmail. Others threaten that my literary work that are currently getting translated will be in trouble. For instance, a translation of 'Aazhi Soozh Ulagu,' which is under the process of publication in English will be halted, they say. Some have sent hate mails that shower abuses."
Asked if his support to Modi, accused of not doing much to contain Gujarat riots, would not be viewed as anti-minorities, he said, "I have travelled far and wide and understand socio-political and economic realities in our country. So far, all those who have been in power have only displayed a selfish attitude and lack of doable ideas to solve people's problems."
The development in Gujarat was actually propelled by "pragmatism" and the practical approach became "easy" owing to a real understanding of issues and workable solutions, Joe, who hails from a community of traditional fishermen, said.
His earlier novel novel "Aazhi Soozh Ulagu" received the state government's best novel award in 2005.
He has also done documentary films and all his creative works deal mostly with the lives and sufferings of Tamil fishermen. He also penned dialogues for actor Dhanush starrer "Maryan," a film directed by Bharat Bala.