AIADMK-Led NDA Leaders Launch Scathing Attack on TVK's Vijay After 'Corrupt' Remark
In a sharp political escalation, leaders from the AIADMK-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) have launched a coordinated and scathing attack on TVK president and actor-politician Vijay, just a day after he labeled the AIADMK as 'corrupt'. The verbal assault saw senior figures from multiple alliance partners dismissing Vijay's political credentials and questioning the viability of his fledgling party.
Feudal Politics and Hollow Claims: AIADMK's Counterattack
Former AIADMK minister Sellur K Raju, speaking to reporters in Madurai, dismissed TVK's politics as 'Pannayar politics' or feudalistic politics, asserting that such an approach would not work in contemporary Tamil Nadu. He characterized Vijay's speeches as 'mere hype' or 'summa buildup', and claimed TVK lacks the organizational strength to challenge the AIADMK.
Raju went further, describing TVK as merely a 'special show' that may not have lasting power, emphasizing that the real political battle in the state remains between the DMK and the AIADMK. He also labeled TVK's claims of widespread support based on surveys as 'hollow claims', attempting to undermine the party's grassroots narrative.
'Zero' in Politics: BJP Leader's Stinging Rebuke
Adding significant weight to the attack, former BJP state president Tamilisai Soundararajan delivered a particularly stinging rebuke, calling Vijay a 'zero' in politics. She challenged his narrative of sacrifice, noting that many professionals, including herself as a doctor and former IPS officers in the BJP, have left careers to enter public service.
Soundararajan asserted that Vijay's criticism of the NDA would have no impact on the alliance's cohesion or electoral prospects, framing his entry as inexperienced compared to established political figures who have made similar career transitions.
Allegations of Corruption and Pannaiyar Mindset
AMMK general secretary T T V Dhinakaran launched his own broadside, alleging that Vijay's practice of selling movie tickets at exorbitant prices also constituted a form of corruption. 'Selling a Rs 150 ticket for Rs 1,000 or Rs 2,000 also amounts to corruption,' he stated, attempting to turn the corruption allegation back on the actor-politician.
Dhinakaran further criticized what he called Vijay's 'Pannaiyar mindset', urging him to engage more directly with the media and understand ground realities. This critique aligns with the broader NDA attempt to portray Vijay as out of touch with common people's issues.
Warning of More to Come
AIADMK treasurer Dindigul C Srinivasan indicated that the current criticism represents only the beginning, warning that 'a lot more was to come'. This statement suggests a sustained campaign against TVK and Vijay as the political landscape heats up ahead of potential electoral contests.
The coordinated nature of these attacks follows an AIADMK IT wing statement from the previous day that accused Vijay of displaying 'narcissistic behaviour' and labeled his politics as 'dangerous'. This indicates a strategic, multi-pronged approach to countering the emerging political challenge.
TVK's Response: Signs of Being 'Rattled'
Despite the barrage of criticism, TVK functionaries have dismissed the attacks, suggesting that the intensity of the response indicates that opposition parties are 'rattled' by Vijay's growing political influence. This framing attempts to position the criticism as evidence of TVK's disruptive potential rather than legitimate political critique.
The exchange highlights the increasingly volatile nature of Tamil Nadu politics, where established parties are aggressively responding to new entrants who leverage celebrity status and anti-establishment rhetoric. The coming weeks will reveal whether this coordinated NDA attack diminishes Vijay's appeal or galvanizes his support base further.
