CHENNAI: Actor-turned-Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) president Vijay on Friday turned the launch of a book on B R Ambedkar into a political stage, attacking the BJP govt at Centre and the DMK govt in Tamil Nadu, besides making political overtures to VCK leader Thol Thirumavalavan, a DMK ally who was invited but stayed away from the event.
Speaking at his first social event after TVK’s debut public meeting in Vikravandi on Oct 28, Vijay accused the Union govt of inaction on the Manipur violence and the st-ate govt of failing to act on the Vengaivayal incident when a water tank used by dalits was contaminated with human waste. “If Ambedkar sees it today, he will hang his head in shame,” Vijay said to loud cheers from TVK cadres who had occupied much of the seats at Chennai Trade Centre. “A permanent solution is simple: We need to elect a govt that truly loves the people.”
Calling it “anti-people”, Vijay said DMK is unable to ensure even basic social justice and security, but has expressed confidence of winning the 2026 election.
Arjuna’s arrow at DMK hits Thol, VCK to seek explanation
Sharing a dais with TVK president and actor Vijay, VCK deputy general secretary Aadhav Arjuna on Friday attacked the DMK govt and ruffled feathers within his own party. VCK leader Thol Thirumavalavan later said Arjuna will be asked for an explanation for his statements which have been affecting the cohesion of the DMK-VCK alliance.
Speaking at the launch of the book ‘Ellorukumaana Thalaivar Ambedkar’ (Everyone’s Leader Ambedkar)’, Arjuna took on ‘dynasty politics’, saying a chief minister should not be elected based on his birth, and the state must be ruled by leaders with ideologies.
“Monarchy exists here. Dynasty politics must be abolished in 2026,” he said.
Speaking to reporters in Trichy later, Thirumavalavan defended the DMK govt. “Democracy prevails globally, and monarchy was abolished ages ago. In Tamil Nadu, governance is executed by democratically elected representatives,” he said. When asked about Arjuna’s repeated criticism of DMK, the VCK leader said: “It is true that his (Arjuna’s) statements are causing confusion in the alliance. We will seek an explanation from him.”
At the book launch event, Arjuna had hailed Vijay for his call for a coalition govt. “We are yet to resolve the Vengavayal incident because of the election of MLAs and ministers based on caste lines. How can a party with a 25% vote share claim to be a major political party? Coalition govt must be formed in Tamil Nadu. If we question dynastic politics, we are branded as sanghis. Tamil Nadu people have decided to take a new political path,” he said.
Earlier in the day, Thirumavalavan said his decision not to share the dais with TVK leader Vijay was made with a sense of caution. He said the primary responsibility of the party is to keep the DMK-led alliance intact and thereby prevent ‘sanatana forces’ from gaining a foothold in Tamil Nadu. Recalling the developments, Thirumavalavan said he agreed to attend the event and receive the book a year ago when there were attempts to get chief minister M K Stalin and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi to participate. He earlier confirmed his participation after learning about Vijay’s attendance but later expressed concerns to the organisers about potential political statements in the wake of Vijay’s criticism of DMK at his Vikravandi conference.
Thirumavalavan said opponents are busy trying to break the DMK alliance. VCK is of the view that it should not fall victim to the machinations of ideological enemies, he said. “How can I give space knowing that political opponents are trying to use me as a tool to manipulate the political landscape,” he asked.