DMK dismisses TVK chief Vijay as ‘temporary attraction’ and ‘non-issue’ amid poll campaign

Paramakudi/Tiruchirappalli (Tamil Nadu): The political landscape in Tamil Nadu has tightened as the DMK top brass launched a coordinated defense of their governance while dismissing the impact of Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) leader Vijay. Speaking from different regions of the state, Chief Minister M K Stalin and Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin emphasised the party's grassroots strength and characterised the actor-turned-politician as either a distraction or a temporary fixture.

CM rejects discourse surrounding TVK leader

During a visit to Paramakudi, Chief Minister M K Stalin addressed recent controversies and the critique leveled against his administration. When asked about issues surrounding the online leak of actor and TVK leader Vijay’s film ‘Jana Nayagan’, the Chief Minister remained detached from the entertainment-related political discourse.
 

"I don't need to respond to the issue of actor and TVK leader Vijay's Jana Nayagan movie being leaked online," the Chief Minister stated, shifting the focus instead to his primary political rival, Edappadi K Palaniswami. He attributed the frequent criticisms from the AIADMK leader to electoral desperation, remarking, "Edappadi Palaniswami is frustrated by the defeat, and that's why he keeps commenting on us."

The Chief Minister also shared insights from his public interactions during his routine exercise, noting a positive reception from the electorate. "I take morning walks wherever I go. Because it's election time, people are happily meeting me. They are saying they will vote for the DMK, which is encouraging," he said. He concluded with a sharp warning regarding the state's political identity, alleging that "the truth is that the BJP is entering Tamil Nadu wearing the mask of the AIADMK."

Deputy CM labels Vijay’s entry as ‘festival attraction’

In Tiruchirappalli, Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin echoed this sentiment, focusing his critique specifically on the political debut of actor Vijay. Campaigning for DMK incumbent Inigo Irudayaraj in the Tiruchirappalli (East) constituency—where Vijay himself is contesting—the Deputy CM described the influx of celebrity-led parties as a passing trend.

"Such figures are a temporary 'festival attraction’, like decorative replicas of the Taj Mahal or Eiffel Tower, which draw crowds briefly but are dismantled once the event ends," Udhayanidhi Stalin remarked. He argued that unlike the TVK leader, the DMK remains "connected with the public throughout the year”, suggesting that celebrity influence would not translate into long-term political commitment.

The Deputy CM also took the opportunity to highlight local development, including the ₹300 crore Kamarajar Library project and infrastructure upgrades for the Gandhi market. He reinforced the party's commitment to minority welfare, citing a ₹10 crore allocation for church renovations and the provision of permanent minority status certificates for educational institutions.

A decisive battle for Tiruchirappalli East

The constituency of Tiruchirappalli (East) has emerged as a major focal point for the upcoming polls, featuring a high-stakes encounter between the DMK’s Irudayaraj and the TVK chief, Vijay. With the AIADMK also fielding G Rajasekaran, the race represents the broader three-way struggle currently defining the state's politics. Tamil Nadu is scheduled to go to the polls in a single phase on April 23, with the counting of votes set for May 4.

ANI