R ARIVANANTHAM
CHENNAI, FEB 13
In a high-decibel show of strength, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) chief Vijay on Friday declared that his offer to share power with allies has exploded like a “political bomb” across Tamil Nadu’s alliances, triggering sharp reactions from the DMK, AIADMK, BJP, Congress and other parties ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections.
Addressing a massive rally in Chennai, Vijay claimed that his power-sharing proposal—first floated at Vikravandi—has unsettled the ruling DMK and Chief Minister M K Stalin.
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“Do you remember my political bomb at the Vikravandi rally; offering to share power? It is now exploding recklessly in all the alliances, CM Stalin sir is rattled and he says that power sharing will not suit Tamil Nadu,” Vijay said.
Taking a swipe at the DMK’s alliance politics, he added, “We will win together; but we will see all alone the wealth that comes. This is the secret about ‘we will win together’ and I think those who need to understand will understand it well.”
Rally Overshadowed by Deaths
The rally, however, was overshadowed by the death of a 37-year-old man who fainted and died on the way to hospital. In a separate incident, another man was found dead near the venue, with police stating it was a case of suicide due to personal issues and not linked to the political event.
Expressing concern, TVK said it stood with the bereaved family and had earlier appealed to the sick and vulnerable not to attend the gathering.
The tragedy revived memories of the September rally in Karur where 41 people lost their lives in a stampede.
Vijay’s Broadside Against DMK
Projecting TVK as Tamil Nadu’s emerging primary force within two years of its formation, Vijay asserted that his party’s support base has crossed 30 per cent—widely viewed as a benchmark for forming a government.
He alleged that the DMK government was blocking his party’s meetings through what he termed “Stalin Sir Operating Procedure,” claiming that while Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) were cited to deny permission to TVK events, other parties were allowed to hold meetings.
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Launching a direct attack on the Chief Minister, Vijay said: “You (CM) are on another level when it comes to speaking contradictory things, sir.”
Accusing the DMK of inflating claims about fulfilling electoral promises, he said the government’s assertion had ranged from 70 per cent to 90 per cent over the years and could fall further as elections near.
Ridiculing Stalin’s oft-repeated claim that “Tamil Nadu is always out of Delhi’s control,” Vijay countered:
“First of all, law and order is out of control. In women’s safety, it is out of control. In employment for young people, it is out of control. Overall, his regime itself is out of control.”
He also denounced cash-for-votes practices, urging people: “They will bring loads of money… take it happily as it is your money. Take it and blow the whistle into their ears and send them away.”
DMK Hits Back: “He Simply Wants to Become CM”
The ruling DMK dismissed Vijay’s claims, accusing him of chasing power without grassroots engagement.
Senior DMK leader T K S Elangovan said: “Vijay has not taken part in any agitation for the sake of the people. His intention is not the people; he simply wants to become the chief minister.”
The DMK also questioned the safety arrangements at the rally, asking how many more lives would be lost before elections.
AIADMK’s Sharp Jibe
The AIADMK launched a caustic attack, remarking that those desirous of attending TVK rallies must “carry their own coffins,” in a stinging reference to the recent and past deaths linked to Vijay’s meetings.
Without naming AIADMK, Vijay hinted that the principal opposition party had already been rejected by the people and insisted that the 2026 contest would be a direct fight between TVK and the DMK.
BJP’s Criticism
The BJP criticised the TVK over the rally-related death and questioned the party’s organisational preparedness for handling large crowds, saying political ambition must not come at the cost of public safety.
Congress’ Measured Response
Congress leaders, while not directly engaging with Vijay’s power-sharing offer, reiterated their alliance commitment to the DMK and underscored that governance stability, not political theatrics, should be the focus ahead of 2026.
A Political Landscape in Flux
Vijay’s entry has undeniably disrupted the state’s traditional bipolar politics dominated by the DMK and AIADMK. By foregrounding governance-sharing and publicly challenging rivals to form parties and secure even one per cent of votes independently, the actor-politician has signalled an aggressive strategy to position TVK as a credible alternative.
Whether the “political bomb” he speaks of reshapes alliance arithmetic or fizzles out amid organisational and electoral realities remains to be seen. But with rhetoric intensifying and reactions sharpening, Tamil Nadu’s road to 2026 has unmistakably entered a new phase.
