AIADMK Leader D Jayakumar Launches Scathing Attack on TVK Chief Vijay
In a sharp political confrontation, AIADMK organising secretary D Jayakumar on Tuesday unleashed a blistering critique against Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) leader and actor-turned-politician Vijay, questioning his leadership credentials and political maturity. The verbal assault came during a media interaction in Chennai following floral tributes to Dravidian stalwart and former chief minister C N Annadurai on his 57th death anniversary.
Questioning Leadership Amid Tragedy
Jayakumar pointedly criticized Vijay for his conduct following the tragic Karur roadshow stampede that claimed 41 lives. "If the families of the Karur victims see him dancing, how would they feel?" he questioned reporters, referring to Vijay's participation in dance performances at TVK's third-anniversary event despite the recent tragedy. The AIADMK leader emphasized that true political leadership requires sensitivity and gravitas, qualities he suggested were conspicuously absent in the TVK chief's approach.
Mocking Political Aspirations with Cultural Reference
Employing a popular cultural reference to undermine TVK's political positioning, Jayakumar invoked comedian Vadivelu's iconic punchline - "Naanum Rowdy Thaan" (I am also a Rowdy). Drawing parallels to a well-known comedy sequence where Vadivelu voluntarily enters a police van while repeating the phrase, Jayakumar suggested with sarcastic amusement that Vijay's attempt to position his fledgling party as the primary opposition to the ruling DMK was similarly theatrical and unconvincing.
"Vijay's claim is no different," Jayakumar stated, dismissing TVK's political ambitions as mere posturing rather than substantive opposition.Symbolism Under Scrutiny
The AIADMK leader extended his criticism to TVK's chosen electoral symbol - the whistle - describing it as a "sign of danger" rather than a symbol of political promise. In a colorful analogy referencing Hollywood cinema, Jayakumar quipped: "Just as the heroine blows a whistle at the end of Titanic seeking help, TVK too is blowing the whistle - seeking alliance partners."
This characterization framed the whistle not as an instrument of change but as a distress signal, implying political desperation rather than strength.
Reasserting Traditional Political Dynamics
Central to Jayakumar's critique was his insistence that Tamil Nadu's political landscape remains fundamentally bipolar. He reasserted that the real contest continues to be between the DMK and AIADMK, dismissing TVK's emergence as a significant challenger as artificial narrative-building. The senior AIADMK figure positioned Vijay's political venture as attempting to create a false perception of relevance where none substantially exists.
Jayakumar's comments reflect the intensifying political jostling in Tamil Nadu as parties position themselves ahead of upcoming assembly elections. His remarks underscore the established Dravidian parties' efforts to marginalize new political entrants while reinforcing traditional political binaries that have long defined the state's electoral politics.
