In his first public address since a tragic stampede at a rally in Karur, Tamil Nadu, left 41 supporters dead in September, actor-turned-politician Vijay has launched a blistering attack on the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), accusing the party of corruption and abandoning its founding principles.
Speaking to party workers at an indoor event in Kancheepuram, Vijay, whose political party is known as TVK, refrained from mentioning the Karur tragedy directly. However, his remarks were pointed and signaled a clear escalation in his political confrontation with the DMK.
Vijay accused the DMK of transforming “looting into ideology,” alleging that the party had deceived voters to seize power and was now engaged in a deceptive performance. He framed his criticisms within the context of Dravidian political history, reminding the audience that Kancheepuram was the birthplace of C.N. Annadurai, the revered ideologue who founded the DMK after breaking away from the Dravidar Kazhagam.
He drew a parallel between his political aspirations and those of M.G. Ramachandran (MGR), a popular actor-turned-politician who founded the AIADMK. Vijay highlighted that MGR prominently featured Annadurai on his party flag. Vijay questioned the DMK’s current leadership, stating that the people were aware of their wrongdoings.
Vijay dismissed any personal animosity towards the DMK. He emphasized that his party’s political journey began in Parandur, where they fought for the people against the proposed greenfield airport. He noted that after the Karur tragedy, they were beginning again in Kancheepuram, deliberately returning to significant places and symbolism.
The speech appeared to be a direct response to recent public questioning by DMK leaders regarding the ideological grounding of Vijay’s TVK. Vijay responded with sharp wordplay, claiming that the DMK had turned “kolkai” (principles) into “kollai” (loot). He listed TVK’s actions, such as opposing the Citizenship Amendment Act, demanding a caste census, challenging amendments to the Waqf Act in the Supreme Court, and advocating for education to be moved to the State List, as evidence of the party’s ideological foundation.
“We raised these demands even before many parties. Still they say we have no ideology?” he questioned, challenging the DMK’s right to define ideological legitimacy.
Vijay’s accusations extended to allegations of widespread corruption. He likened the DMK to a “syndicate of dacoits” and claimed they were neglecting the needs of ordinary citizens. He specifically cited illegal sand mining along the Palar river, which he estimated had cost Tamil Nadu Rs 4,730 crore. He also pointed to the plight of Kancheepuram’s weavers, who he said continued to live in poverty despite the region’s fame for its textiles.
He reiterated TVK’s opposition to the Parandur airport and pledged solidarity with farmers. Vijay outlined a sweeping vision for Tamil Nadu’s future, focusing on the lower-middle class: permanent housing, motorcycles for every family, the aspiration of car ownership, guaranteed employment for one member in each household, and at least one graduate per family. He also promised to strengthen government hospitals and improve law enforcement to prevent sexual assault cases.
“I am not someone to make taller claims and cheat you,” Vijay asserted. “If I say something, I will do it. I have come to politics only to do good for you, we have no agenda.”
Vijay addressed criticism that his supporters were uneducated, calling them “acharyakuri” – exclamation marks – and symbols of change. He drew another historical parallel, recalling how MGR and his followers were initially dismissed as circus performers before transforming Tamil Nadu’s political landscape.
“We haven’t even started attacking you,” Vijay warned the DMK. “Why are you crying aloud already?”
The speech marks a significant shift in Vijay’s political strategy, signaling a more aggressive stance against the DMK and a renewed focus on mobilizing support ahead of future elections. The absence of any mention of the Karur stampede was notable, suggesting a deliberate effort to move past the tragedy and refocus on the political landscape.
