Tamil Actor Vijay Confronts CM Stalin as Political Tensions Rise Amid AIADMK Alliance Rumors

Chennai:

Actor-politician Vijay launched a scathing attack on Tamil Nadu's ruling DMK on Wednesday, accusing Chief Minister MK Stalin of making "slanderous remarks" and engaging in "politics of hatred." Vijay further claimed that the Chief Minister had become "intoxicated by power" and had lost "any sense of humanity, ethics, or dignity."

"The Chief Minister has begun to play a mere political game while pretending to speak of morality and compassion..." the TVK leader declared passionately at a party gathering in Mamallapuram, making pointed references to Stalin's statements following the tragic stampede in Karur this September.

The Karur tragedy resulted in 41 fatalities at a rally headlined by Vijay.

The DMK has placed responsibility for the disaster on the emerging rival party, maintaining that police had fulfilled all duties, including repeatedly advising Vijay and event organizers regarding crowd safety protocols.

In a complaint obtained by NDTV, police stated that a 'deliberate display of political power' by Vijay, including arriving eight hours late to the rally to 'build expectations,' contributed to the tragedy.

Meanwhile, the TVK has accused the DMK of practicing 'vendetta politics' in advance of next year's election.

"The same Chief Minister who preaches magnanimity in words... in reality, he poured out venom and malice in his speech. Do you think the people will not recognize that kind of politics?"

Vijay's attacks on the DMK and Stalin have intensified speculation about a potential high-profile alliance between his party and the AIADMK, which is currently allied with the BJP.

Since announcing his electoral debut, Vijay has consistently criticized the DMK – his declared 'political enemy' – while adopting a softer stance toward the AIADMK, though he has also labeled the BJP his 'ideological enemy.'

Notably, he has repeatedly invoked the name and legacy of MG Ramachandran, the founder of the AIADMK and one of its most charismatic and iconic leaders, to establish his political credentials.

The AIADMK, for its part, has indicated that such an alliance would be welcomed.

In late September, following the Karur tragedy, the main opposition party urged the TVK - under pressure from the DMK - to join forces against Stalin and his DMK-Congress alliance. Last month, AIADMK leader E Palaniswami suggested a possible alliance after TVK flags were spotted at his party's event.

"All those who wish to oust the DMK are welcome to join the alliance," he stated earlier.

The TVK initially distanced itself; party sources informed NDTV that 'those holding TVK flags at the AIADMK rally are not our cadre,' though they did not deny that alliance discussions might be underway.

The BJP has maintained a measured approach toward the immensely popular film star, likely recognizing that the AIADMK is pursuing him and aware of the potential voter base the TVK could mobilize, particularly in a state where movie stars with massive followings frequently transition into politics.

The BJP's state unit chief, Nainar Nagenthiran, stated in July that a 'common goal' unites the two organizations - "that the DMK should not be in power." "I suggested an alliance based on that shared idea," he told reporters, adding, "Ever since BJP and AIADMK reunited... DMK is worried."

Will Vijay and the TVK establish a partnership with the AIADMK? While there is no confirmation yet, it is noteworthy that the party has empowered him with the authority to determine any political alliances.

With input from agencies

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