In a significant political commentary, the Tamil Nadu Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) president, Nainar Nagenthran, has publicly advised actor-turned-politician Vijay on the electoral approach needed to achieve his stated goal of removing the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) from power. Nagenthran's remarks, made during interactions with reporters in Trichy, have stirred discussions about potential political alignments in the state.
Strategic Advice for Vijay's Political Ambition
Speaking in Trichy on Sunday night, Nagenthran emphasized that it would be in Vijay's best interest to adopt a strategy suited to his objective of ousting the DMK government. He pointedly suggested that the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) president needs to carefully evaluate the political landscape. "It would be to his advantage if he figures out whether a two-cornered fight or a three-cornered fight was ideal in Tamil Nadu to oust DMK," Nagenthran stated when questioned about the correctness of Vijay's current approach.
This advice hints at the complex calculus of alliance politics, where the number of major contenders in an electoral fray can drastically alter outcomes. Nagenthran's comments are seen as a nudge for Vijay to clearly define his position vis-à-vis other opposition parties, including the BJP and the AIADMK.
Questioning the 'Pure Force' Claim and Alliance Stance
When reporters asked Nagenthran about Vijay's description of his TVK as a 'pure force' in politics, the BJP state chief responded with skepticism. "How do we know what kind of a force he is?" he questioned. Elaborating with an analogy, he added, "How do we know what happens inside his house. It is for the people to decide whether he is a pure force or not."
Nagenthran also tempered expectations about any immediate alliance, drawing a historical parallel. He reminded everyone that while the legendary M.G. Ramachandran founded the AIADMK and captured power, not everyone can achieve the same feat. On the direct question of whether the BJP was indirectly inviting TVK for an alliance, he clarified the party's position. Asserting that the BJP is a larger national party, he said they would not extend invitations to others. However, he left the door open by stating, "But we would accommodate anyone who approaches us for an alliance."
BJP Accuses DMK Leader in TVK Rally Stampede
In a related development, addressing a gathering in Karur on Monday, Nainar Nagenthran launched a sharp attack on the DMK, directly blaming former minister Senthil Balaji for the tragic stampede at a TVK public meeting led by Vijay. The incident, which occurred earlier, had resulted in the death of 41 people.
To bolster his accusation, a video was screened on an LED display at the Karur meeting. The video alleged that Senthil Balaji had 'engineered' the deadly stampede during the TVK rally. It further mocked current minister Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi for being emotional alongside Balaji on the day of the incident. The video narration claimed, "There are many suspicions surrounding the incident. The government is trying to hide the truth," escalating the political blame game over the tragedy.
Nagenthran's twin statements—offering strategic advice to a potential newcomer while aggressively targeting the ruling party over a tragedy—highlight the BJP's multifaceted strategy in Tamil Nadu. The party appears to be positioning itself as a central player, willing to guide others while firmly confronting the DMK on contentious issues.