Vijay Launches Scathing Attack on DMK Cash Scheme in Salem Rally
In a fiery campaign address in Salem on Friday, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) leader and actor Vijay launched a dual-pronged assault on the ruling DMK government, targeting its cash transfer program for women and claiming his own political maneuvers have become a disruptive force for Chief Minister MK Stalin.
Cash Payout Scheme Labeled as Voter Influence
Addressing an enthusiastic crowd, Vijay took direct aim at the DMK administration's financial assistance initiative for women, which involved an advance payment of Rs 3,000 with a promised additional Rs 2,000. He vehemently argued that this timing was strategically designed to sway voters ahead of elections, framing the electoral battle in stark ethical terms.
"Will you cast your ballot for the 'good' TVK or the 'evil' DMK?" Vijay challenged the audience, urging them to "take the money, but blow the whistle," a clear reference to his party's election symbol. He emphatically declared, "My vote is my right. No one can purchase our loyalty. Our vote belongs to the whistle."
Questioning the sudden announcement of what he termed a "summer bonanza," Vijay remarked, "Does summer arrive exclusively this year? This special allowance was unveiled precisely because the resonant sound of the whistle is echoing through every street and household." He asserted that Stalin is growing increasingly anxious due to TVK's surging popularity, particularly among female voters.
Countering Criticism with Wit
Responding to allegations about his lack of administrative background, Vijay cleverly turned the criticism on its head. "We possess no experience in looting," he quipped, drawing applause from supporters and highlighting his anti-corruption stance.
The 'Political Bomb' Shaking Alliances
Vijay's speech also delved into recent alliance dynamics, where he claimed his earlier proposition of power-sharing with allies has detonated as a "political bomb" across Tamil Nadu's political landscape. "Recall my political bomb at the Vikravandi rally, where I offered to share power? It is now exploding uncontrollably within all alliances, leaving CM Stalin sir thoroughly rattled. He insists that power-sharing is unsuitable for Tamil Nadu," Vijay stated.
He accused the DMK of viewing alliances merely as electoral tools for victory, while intending to govern unilaterally afterward. "For the DMK, alliances exist solely to secure wins; for governance and all other matters, they prefer to operate independently," Vijay asserted.
Strain in DMK-Congress Alliance Intensifies
This rhetoric follows Chief Minister Stalin's firm rejection of any coalition government possibility in the state on Wednesday, a suggestion previously voiced by Congress leaders ahead of assembly polls. Stalin had declared, "Sharing power will not suit Tamil Nadu. Both Congress and DMK recognize that power-sharing is unworkable here, yet some are attempting to sow division between our parties."
However, Stalin affirmed the continuation of the DMK-Congress alliance, stating, "Certain forces aim to fracture our alliance, but they will not succeed. We will contest the elections together."
These comments have exacerbated tensions within the DMK-Congress partnership, prompting Congress MP Manickam Tagore to publicly challenge Stalin after the CM dismissed power-sharing demands as a "conspiracy." Tagore, a prominent advocate for Congress's role in governance, questioned Stalin's characterization in a succinct social media post: "How can requesting, in a spirit of camaraderie, a participatory role in serving the people be labeled a conspiracy?" This pointed retort, devoid of emojis but laden with implication, signals that a faction within Congress remains steadfast despite Stalin's clear boundaries.
The escalating political drama underscores the volatile pre-election atmosphere in Tamil Nadu, with Vijay positioning TVK as a formidable challenger while existing alliances face internal pressures over governance and power distribution.
