Tamil Nadu’s ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) and the main opposition, All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK), have reacted critically to actor-politician Vijay’s new political party, Tamizhaga Vetri Kazhagam (TVK). DMK leader TKS Elangovan dismissed Vijay’s ideology as a copy of DMK’s own principles, accusing Vijay of merely reiterating policies DMK has long championed. “These are all our policies,” Elangovan stated, adding that Vijay’s approach mirrors the DMK’s established positions.
In his first public address, Vijay launched a strong critique against the DMK, targeting the family of Chief Minister MK Stalin, accusing them of corruption and self-interest. He condemned the party’s Dravidian model, labeling it a “deception.”
Vijay clarified that his party would uphold social justice and women’s empowerment, inspired by Dravidian icon Periyar, freedom fighter Velu Nachiar, and leaders like Kamaraj and BR Ambedkar. However, he noted that TVK would not adopt Periyar’s atheistic stance, emphasizing respect for all faiths.
In response, the AIADMK called TVK’s ideology a “cocktail” of various parties’ viewpoints, asserting it lacked originality. AIADMK spokesperson Kovai Sathyan praised Vijay’s political entry but warned he has “a long way to go” before proving himself.