Vijay Sharpens DMK Attack, Softens Stand on AIADMK
Actor-politician invokes MGR legacy, calls DMK main enemy, positions TVK as sole alternative ahead of Tamil Nadu polls
- Vijay labels DMK his “political enemy”, accuses it of injustice and misrule
- Carefully avoids attacking iconic leaders, invokes MGR and Annadurai legacy
- Rules out alliance with BJP-backed AIADMK, downplays three-corner fight
- Projects TVK as the only force capable of defeating the DMK
GG News Bureau
Chennai, 2nd Feb: Actor-turned-politician Vijay on Monday stepped up his political offensive against Tamil Nadu’s ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), while adopting a noticeably restrained tone towards its main rival, the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK), weeks ahead of the crucial Assembly elections.
Speaking at a public event marking the third anniversary of his party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), Vijay described the DMK as his “political enemy”, accusing the ruling dispensation of injustice, lawlessness and betrayal of public trust. At the same time, he avoided direct criticism of iconic leaders associated with rival parties, a move seen as a calculated attempt to broaden his appeal among undecided voters.
Invoking political history, Vijay recalled a 1977 radio interview of AIADMK founder M. G. Ramachandran (MGR), who had expressed anguish over what he perceived as unworthy successors to C. N. Annadurai, the DMK founder. Drawing a parallel, Vijay said TVK was formed after the 2021 elections to “wipe away the tears” of people disappointed with the present leadership occupying the seat once held by stalwarts like K. Kamaraj, Annadurai and MGR.
Hitting back at DMK leaders who have questioned his political experience, Vijay said even MGR had faced similar criticism in his early years. “Those questioning my experience are the same who once questioned MGR,” he remarked, asserting that his party would continue to challenge and expose the ruling establishment.
On the AIADMK, Vijay downplayed the threat posed by the party, while firmly ruling out any alliance with it as long as it remains aligned with the BJP, which he described as his “ideological enemy”. The AIADMK is currently led by former Chief Minister Edappadi K. Palaniswami.
Dismissing talk of a three-cornered contest, Vijay projected the election as a straight fight. “On one side is TVK, the people’s force. On the other are the DMK-led alliance and the BJP-headed alliance. Only TVK can defeat the DMK,” he declared.
With the Congress yet to finalise its seat-sharing deal with the DMK and speculation rife about shifting alliances, Vijay’s growing political assertiveness has added a new dynamic to Tamil Nadu politics. Banking on his mass following and invoking the legacy of cinema icons-turned-leaders, Vijay is positioning himself as a serious contender in a state long shaped by the intersection of film and politics.
