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The political landscape of Tamil Nadu is experiencing a dynamic shift with the emergence of actor-politician Vijay's Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK). This new party, registered in September 2023, has already stirred the pot, drawing sharp responses from both the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) and its long-time rival, the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK). The war of words escalated on Monday when Chief Minister MK Stalin accused 'new parties' of wanting to 'eliminate' the DMK.
Stalin's remarks, while not directly mentioning Vijay or his TVK, were clearly directed at the actor's fledgling political venture. The CM responded to Vijay's criticisms, which focused on issues such as the DMK's handling of liquor sales and law and order, by saying, 'I can only say, 'long live those who chide us'' This response, drawing from the words of DMK icon CN Annadurai, highlights Stalin's confidence in the DMK's track record and his dismissive attitude towards the newly formed TVK.
Vijay's TVK has been vocal in its criticism of the DMK government, particularly regarding the sale of alcohol through state-run shops. The party also condemned the BJP's 'One Nation, One Election' proposal and expressed dissatisfaction with the DMK's handling of Tamil Nadu's finances. The party has drawn a mix of reactions from both the DMK and the AIADMK, with both parties dismissing TVK's ideology as derivative and unoriginal. The DMK claims Vijay's policies are merely copies of their own, while the AIADMK characterizes TVK's approach as a 'cocktail' of various political positions.
The rise of TVK adds a new layer of complexity to Tamil Nadu's political dynamics. Traditionally, the DMK and AIADMK have dominated the state's political landscape, making it difficult for national parties like the BJP and Congress to gain traction. Vijay's immense popularity, however, gives TVK a fighting chance to break this hold. Whether TVK can translate its popularity into electoral success remains to be seen, but the party's early criticisms and the subsequent reactions from the DMK and AIADMK suggest that it is a force to be reckoned with in the upcoming 2026 Tamil Nadu election.
Source: "Long Live Those Who Chide Us...": MK Stalin On Actor-Politician Vijay's Jab