Chennai: DMK president MK Stalin on Friday criticised Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay over what he described as his silence on the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) and Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar issue.

Speaking at a rally in Dharapuram ahead of the October 6 bypoll, Stalin also questioned whether Vijay was afraid of the BJP.

Stalin questions Vijay’s silence on SIR

Addressing supporters in Dharapuram, Stalin asked why Vijay had not spoken about the SIR-CEC controversy, saying political parties supporting the TVK government were also questioning the chief minister's silence.

"What is your fear, CM sir what is the fear? If you cannot open your mouth even on an issue on which all leaders across the country are speaking, what is the reason behind it. CM sir, are you afraid of the BJP so much," Stalin said.

Stalin also claimed that Vijay had previously admitted that the TVK was a branch of the BJP. This was part of Stalin's broader criticism of the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) government.

Stalin attacks Vijay over Assembly conduct

The DMK chief also criticised Vijay over his conduct in the Tamil Nadu Assembly.

Stalin alleged that the chief minister had lowered the dignity of the Assembly by referring to Stalin's incarceration under the Maintenance of Internal Security Act (MISA).

He said Vijay should conduct himself with the decorum expected of a chief minister and added: "behave as the chief minister, and do not change into cheap minister. I repeat it, please conduct yourself as the chief minister, do not behave as a cheap minister".

DMK alleges TVK is involved in horse-trading

Stalin also repeated allegations of horse-trading against the TVK, which the party has rejected.

He alleged that Vijay could not secure enough seats for a majority and was "purchasing" MLAs from the AIADMK.

AIADMK legislators Maragatham Kumaravel from Madurantakam and P Sathyabama from Dharapuram had resigned from their MLA posts and the party before joining the TVK. Both were subsequently renominated by the TVK from the same constituencies.

The two constituencies are going to bypolls on October 6.

Stalin claimed that Vijay had secured the support of former DMK allies, including the Congress, Indian Union Muslim League and Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi, by offering ministerial positions.

He also referred to the TVK's support among former AIADMK legislators while attacking the government over the political circumstances that led to the bypolls.

Stalin described Vijay as a "reels CM" and urged voters to support DMK candidate S Suganya in Dharapuram.

Wider criticism of TVK government

Stalin claimed that different sections of Tamil Nadu society had been protesting during the four months of TVK rule.

He cited farmers' concerns over crop-loan waiver and fishermen's opposition to the proposed construction of a Secretariat-Assembly complex near Marina Beach in Chennai.

Vijay had previously announced a crop-loan waiver.

Stalin also criticised the government over alleged power cuts and rising prices of essential commodities, including rice, sugar and groceries.

Stalin questioned Vijay's position on the Cauvery dispute with Karnataka and alleged that the chief minister had remained silent on the issue.

"What is your fear for not opposing even the actions of Karnataka, what is the hesitation," Stalin asked.

The DMK chief also linked price rises with what he described as an increase in murders in the state, saying: "On one side it is a price rise, and on the other side, it is an increase in the number of murders."