NE NEW SERVICE
COIMBATORE, JULY 6
In a strong political endorsement of the ruling TVK government, MDMK General Secretary Vaiko on Sunday declared that he would stand as a “shield” to protect Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay from political attacks, signalling his unwavering support for the State government amid an increasingly heated political climate.
- MDMK chief Vaiko declares he will stand as a ‘shield’ for Chief Minister Vijay amid intensifying political battles in Tamil Nadu.
- Veteran leader credits the TVK government with ending the ‘commission and bribery culture’ and strengthening governance.
- Vaiko accuses the DMK of targeting him for supporting the ruling TVK government and struggling to accept its defeat.
- He also urges a united fight against the proposed Mekedatu project and backs calls for Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation over the NEET controversy.
The veteran leader’s remarks are being viewed as one of his strongest public endorsements of the TVK administration since the party assumed office, while simultaneously escalating his criticism of the opposition DMK.
Addressing reporters after arriving in Coimbatore for a programme on the eradication of invasive Karuvelam trees in neighbouring Tiruppur district, Vaiko praised the TVK government’s governance record, particularly its efforts to curb corruption.
“The government has put an end to the culture of commissions and bribery. Eliminating corruption is the TVK government’s greatest achievement,” he said.
Taking direct attack on DMK, Vaiko alleged that the principal opposition party was finding it difficult to reconcile itself to being out of power and was targeting him because of his support for the Vijay-led government.
His remarks come amid intensifying political exchanges between the ruling TVK and the opposition, adding another dimension to Tamil Nadu’s evolving political landscape.
Beyond State politics, Vaiko also voiced strong opposition to Karnataka’s proposed Mekedatu dam project across the Cauvery, accusing the Union government of supporting Karnataka’s position.
He warned that the project could adversely affect Tamil Nadu’s water interests and called upon all political parties in the State to unite in opposing the proposal.
On the national front, the MDMK chief also backed demands for the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the alleged irregularities surrounding the NEET-UG examination.
“I fully support that demand. Dharmendra Pradhan should immediately submit his resignation,” Vaiko told reporters.
With his emphatic backing of Chief Minister Vijay and simultaneous attacks on both the DMK and the Centre over key issues, Vaiko has once again positioned himself at the centre of Tamil Nadu’s fast-changing political discourse.
