Tamilaga Vetri Kazhagam (TVK) president Vijay on Sunday accused his rival parties, All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) and Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) respectively of “surrendering” to the BJP.
Addressing the state and district level consultation meeting of party functionaries in Mahabalipuram, actor-turned-politician Vijay said, “AIADMK has directly surrendered to the BJP, and DMK has indirectly surrendered to the BJP. We will not bow down to any pressure. Does this face seem to be bowing down to pressure?”
Vijay stressed that he was underestimated by established political parties for three decades, but public support has taken him to the pinnacle of his career.
He said, “For the last 30 years, these parties have underestimated us, but the public has given me this post at the pinnacle of my career. People should have trust not only in me but also in the people around me. I am not saying that this trust does not exist, but we have to behave and work in the same direction.”
Vijay also stressed that TVK will not compromise its political principles for anyone. “We should not compromise our politics for anything or anyone. We must remain united,” Vijay said.
He criticized the DMK, saying that the party has allegedly forgotten its founder CN Annadurai and the fundamental principles of the party. He said, “Anna has been forgotten by the party he founded and the party which is named after him.”
He added, “Each one of you is important to me; you are the frontline warriors.”
Additionally, Vijay targeted the DMK, describing the party as an “evil force” and claiming that it will continue to exploit the people of Tamil Nadu.
He warned his supporters that the DMK would “loot you even when your eyes are closed”, and urged them to remain alert and work hard to ensure TVK’s victory.
Vijay also said that his party can win even without any alliance. He said, “This strength of TVK will lead to victory even without any friendship (alliance).”
Also, in a dramatic fashion, Vijay whistled on stage and unveiled TVK’s party symbol – the whistle. He also spoke a Tamil dialogue from his 2019 film Bigil – “Kappu Mookiyam, Bigilu” (The cup is important, Bigil).
Earlier today, Tamilaga Vetri Kazhagam (TVK) general secretary Aadhav Arjun made a bold claim saying that his party has ‘sleeper cells’ within the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK), Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) and even the Viduthalai Chiruthigal Katchi (VCK).
Addressing the state and district level consultation meeting of party officials in Mahabalipuram, Arjun said, “TVK leader Vijay has the support of members of both the AIADMK and DMK parties. Stalin, we have a sleeper cell in your cabinet. We have sleeper cells in the AIADMK and even in the VCK.”
The TVK general secretary also expressed confidence that TVK leader Vijay is ready to become the next Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, saying, “People know that Vijay is the next Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu.”
Meanwhile, TVK is going to field for the first time in the upcoming assembly elections and will try to gain power by defeating the ruling DMK. All political parties have started preparing for the elections, and AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami has even announced the first phase of the party’s election promises on January 17.
TVK founder Vijay himself is embroiled in controversy and is being questioned by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in connection with the Karur stampede.
Elections are to be held in Tamil Nadu in the first six months of this year. The Election Commission has not yet announced the official schedule.