Vijay’s speech was dismissed by leaders as scripted, politically naive, lacking understanding of fascism and ideology
Chennai
Tamil Nadu actor-politician Vijay came under fire from opposition and ruling party leaders for his remarks at the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) conference in Madurai on Thursday. Addressing Chief Minister M K Stalin as “uncle” drew sharp criticism from DMK leaders, who described it as low political conduct.
State Municipal Administration Minister K N Nehru said, “Vijay stooped to a low standard in addressing a tall political leader with decades of experience as ‘uncle’. The DMK backed by the people will give him a fitting reply in 2026 Assembly elections.”
Vijay also targeted the BJP and national leadership, prompting comments from former Governor Tamilisai Soundararajan, who dismissed his speech as a one-day film show, suggesting the actor merely read scripted lines without political understanding. BJP leader R Sarath Kumar echoed the sentiment, calling Vijay a political novice who did not grasp key concepts like fascism and lacked clarity in presenting his party’s ideology.
AIADMK leaders were similarly critical. Party spokesperson Vaigai Selvan predicted that Vijay and TVK would fade after the 2026 Assembly polls. Former AIADMK minister R B Udayakumar questioned Vijay’s remarks about the party’s control, pointing out that former Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami is in charge and was already announced as the party’s Chief Ministerial candidate by Union Home Minister Amit Shah.
Vijay, while addressing the conference, raised issues including fishermen’s rights and the Katchatheevu islet, also urging exemption of Tamil Nadu students from NEET.
The political criticism highlights the growing attention TVK is drawing ahead of the 2026 state elections, as national and regional parties align to counter the DMK, underlining the contentious entry of film personalities into Tamil Nadu politics.
