‘Running administration like a cinema’: Stalin hits Vijay over jaw gesture, says ‘I don’t keep it in my heart’

Chennai: DMK president M.K. Stalin on Thursday hit back at Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay over his recent remarks in the Assembly, accusing him of using social media “reels” and publicity to divert attention from what he described as failures in governance.

In a video posted on social media, Stalin addressed Vijay as “Thambi Vijay” and said the Chief Minister should focus on the responsibilities of running the state rather than getting involved in unnecessary controversies.

“You turned the Assembly itself into a place where reels happen, standing on the bridge we built and doing photoshoots,” Stalin said.

“You are running the administration also, just like a cinema shooting. To hide your inefficient administration, you are posting various reels like this and cheating a whole generation,” he added.

Stalin also accused the state government of failing to adequately address law and order concerns, referring to what he described as daily incidents of murders and sexual assaults against women.

MISA remark triggers political exchange

The latest confrontation follows Vijay’s reference to the Maintenance of Internal Security Act (MISA) during recent Assembly proceedings.

A hand gesture made by Vijay while referring to MISA was widely interpreted as a reference to the jaw injury Stalin suffered during his detention during the Emergency. Vijay later clarified that the gesture was “not in any way intentional”.

Stalin, however, said his detention during the Emergency was an established part of his political history.

“History can never be changed,” Stalin said, while challenging Vijay to verify his account through official records.

Stalin recalls Emergency detention

Stalin said the Union government dismissed the DMK government on January 31, 1976, following which police went to the Karunanidhi residence in Gopalapuram to arrest him under MISA.

According to Stalin, he was away campaigning when the police arrived. He said his father, M. Karunanidhi, told the police that Stalin had gone campaigning and would return the next day.

“When I came, he himself called the police and asked them to arrest me,” Stalin said, recalling the episode.

Stalin said he was subsequently detained under MISA.

He also recalled the alleged custodial violence he experienced during his imprisonment, saying his jaw was broken and that he continues to have scars from the injuries.

“Due to their beating, my dear brother, Member of Parliament Chitti Babu, died inside the jail itself. Due to their beating, my jawbone was broken,” Stalin said.

“You also showed it like this, keeping your hand near the jaw, right? That is correct. Even today, I have the scars of the beatings I received. I am not saying no,” he added.

Stalin referred to Chitti Babu, the former Madras mayor and DMK leader, who died after suffering injuries while in prison. Stalin has previously said Chitti Babu took blows intended for him during their incarceration.

‘Proud to be part of DMK history’

Stalin said his experience during the Emergency formed part of the DMK’s broader political history dating back to party founder C.N. Annadurai.

“You say you are an ideological leader. From the time of Perarignar Anna, this is the history of the DMK. That I am also part of that history is a matter of pride for me,” he said.

Stalin also asked Vijay to consult official records and study his political history before making references to the Emergency-era events.

“If you have any doubts… Go and read my history of struggle. You will understand what the truth is,” Stalin said.

Stalin responds to Sarkaria Commission allegations

Stalin also responded to Vijay’s references to the Sarkaria Commission and allegations concerning the earlier DMK government led by Karunanidhi.

Vijay had cited the commission while raising allegations involving corruption, tenders and alleged commissions.

Stalin argued that several governments had subsequently changed at both the Centre and in Tamil Nadu and said that if the allegations had established wrongdoing, action would have been taken.

He accused Vijay of repeating allegations against Karunanidhi out of what he described as “political vendetta”.

Stalin also criticised Vijay’s references to Enforcement Directorate cases involving DMK leaders, alleging that investigative agencies were being used for political purposes. These are political allegations made by Stalin and are not established by his remarks alone.

‘Assembly no place for unnecessary controversies’

Stalin said the Assembly should focus on law and order, welfare, Tamil Nadu’s rights and the state’s development rather than personal or historical controversies.

“My request is that you should not talk about unnecessary controversies in the Assembly,” Stalin said.

He also recalled Vijay’s visit to his residence after becoming Chief Minister. According to Stalin, Vijay had apologised at the time for remarks made against him during the election campaign.

“I said, it’s okay, brother. I don’t keep all that in my heart,” Stalin said.

Stalin then urged Vijay to remember the responsibilities associated with the office of Chief Minister.

“A chief minister’s words and body language should have the dignity of a chief minister. We are the role models for the people. Don’t forget that,” he said.

Growing DMK-TVK political confrontation

The exchange adds to the increasingly direct political confrontation between the DMK and Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) ahead of the Tamil Nadu political contest.

The dispute combines Vijay’s criticism of the DMK’s historical record with Stalin’s defence of his own Emergency-era history and his criticism of the current administration.

Vijay’s references to the Sarkaria Commission and allegations against the earlier DMK government have brought decades-old political controversies back into the Assembly debate. Stalin has sought to shift the focus towards present-day governance, law and order and the responsibilities of holding the Chief Minister’s office.

The latest exchange also highlights Vijay’s changing political position. As Chief Minister, his statements and conduct in the Assembly are now being judged in the context of the responsibilities of the office, while the DMK is seeking to challenge his administration and defend its own political record.