Political tensions have escalated in Tamil Nadu as leaders of the opposition AIADMK launched a fresh offensive against Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) president Vijay. This comes even as their alliance partner, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), suggested it would be advantageous for the actor-turned-politician to join the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) instead of contesting the upcoming elections alone.
AIADMK Leaders Mount Scathing Criticism
Former AIADMK minister Sellur K Raju on Monday urged Vijay to show restraint when commenting on the party and its general secretary, Edappadi K Palaniswami. Raju stated that Palaniswami elaborately critiques governance failures without resorting to rhetoric. "In such a situation, is it right to say our party is not active on the ground?" he questioned while speaking to reporters in Chennai.
The controversy stems from a public meeting in Erode on December 18, where Vijay stated he would not engage with political parties that were "not on the ground," without explicitly naming the AIADMK. Party leaders have since interpreted the comment as a direct reference to them and have responded forcefully.
Another former minister, D Jayakumar, used sharp analogies to dismiss Vijay's remarks. "Those who have not even sprouted three leaves should not speak about the AIADMK movement, which stands like a banyan tree," he said. He further added, "Speaking in vague generalities is easy. I too can speak like that. No matter how high a sparrow flies, it will not become a hawk."
Questions on TVK's 'Clean' Image and Identity
AIADMK deputy general secretary K P Munusamy challenged Vijay's claim that the TVK represents a "clean" political force. "How can you claim so?" he asked, arguing that such a label can only be earned through governance and effective implementation of schemes after assuming power.
Munusamy also took aim at the TVK's expanding membership, noting, "You started as a party with your fans, but today you have people from 17 different parties. They are all opportunists." Furthermore, AIADMK leaders firmly rejected any comparisons being drawn between Vijay and the party's iconic founder-leader, M G Ramachandran (MGR). They stated that attempts to invoke MGR's legacy through symbolism, like references to an "MGR mask," only highlight a lack of independent political identity.
BJP Extends an Olive Branch to Vijay
Amidst the AIADMK's attacks, the BJP struck a different note. Senior party leader Tamilisai Soundararajan indicated that the NDA's doors remain open for an alliance with Vijay. She cautioned that contesting alone could lead to isolation. "If he contests alone, he might be isolated by the people. It is better for him to contest as a team," Soundararajan advised.
She was quick to clarify that this suggestion was made "in goodwill" and should not be seen as "a sign of weakness" from the NDA. This statement highlights the BJP's ongoing efforts to consolidate opposition space in Tamil Nadu ahead of crucial electoral battles.
The unfolding scenario underscores the complex political dynamics in the state, where established parties are keen to counter new entrants, while national allies pursue broader coalition strategies.
