Chennai, September 2026 : Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) president and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay on Wednesday accused the AIADMK of becoming an “offshoot” of the ruling DMK, alleging that the two parties were now pursuing similar political interests.
Addressing a campaign meeting in Dharapuram in support of TVK candidate Sathyabama ahead of the October 6 Assembly bypoll, Vijay said he had come to meet voters not as Chief Minister but as a “son” and member of their family.
Vijay said his government was committed to eliminating corruption and would implement its election promises in phases. He also criticised what he described as a monarchical approach to politics, alleging that some political leaders continued to behave as though they were still in power.
Targeting the AIADMK, Vijay claimed that the party, which he described as having earlier been an offshoot of the BJP, had now indirectly aligned itself with the DMK. He alleged that such an approach undermined the political legacies of former Tamil Nadu Chief Ministers M.G. Ramachandran and J. Jayalalithaa.
Referring to remarks by DMK General Secretary Duraimurugan about defeating established rulers by fielding ordinary people, Vijay said TVK had followed a similar approach by providing ordinary candidates an opportunity to contest elections.
He defended Sathyabama's decision to resign from the AIADMK and join TVK, saying she had first resigned as Dharapuram MLA before switching parties. Vijay maintained that her decision was not the result of any political bargaining.
Sathyabama became emotional while addressing the gathering, saying that online criticism and attacks following her resignation and change of party had affected her deeply. She said she had stopped using her mobile phone for two months. Vijay was seen consoling her during the programme.
Vijay also questioned the AIADMK's response to his references to the Sarkaria Commission and alleged that the party was supporting the DMK, while claiming that TVK was the only political force opposing it.
He further criticised DMK leader and Chief Minister M.K. Stalin's political rhetoric, alleging that it encouraged abusive language and hatred. Vijay said attacks against TVK would only strengthen the party and broaden its support base.
On religion, Vijay said TVK respected all faiths and would continue greeting people on occasions such as Krishna Jayanthi, Christmas and Bakrid despite criticism from political opponents. He said the party believed in God and did not oppose anyone's religious faith.
Appealing to voters to support Sathyabama in the October 6 bypoll, Vijay praised the people of Kongu Nadu for their hard work and urged the people of Dharapuram to vote for the TVK candidate.
