In a bid to elevate actor-turned-politician Vijay to the stature of Chief Minister MK Stalin, the Tamilaga Vetri Kazhagam (TVK) seems to be closely mirroring the political playbook of the DMK. In particular, the party appears eager to associate Vijay with the title “Appa” a term that the DMK has been trying to promote as a symbolic nickname for Stalin, akin to how the late Jayalalithaa was affectionately called “Amma” by the public.
The DMK government even launched an official mobile application named “APPA,” an overt branding attempt to frame Stalin as a paternal figure to the people, echoing the maternal image Jayalalithaa crafted through welfare schemes such as Amma Canteens and Amma Pharmacies.
Recently, at an event in Mahabalipuram on 4 June 2025, where Vijay honored top-performing Class 10 and 12 students, a young child took the stage and declared, “In 2026, Vijay Appa will be the Chief Minister. In 2031, Vijay Appa will still be the Chief Minister.” This scripted performance has drawn ridicule, with critics accusing TVK of recycling DMK’s failed branding tactics rather than offering a clear political vision. Rather than forging its own path, the party appears content to trail the DMK’s shadow.
Manufactured Affection vs. Genuine Sentiment
Where once political nicknames like “Amma” emerged organically from public admiration and trust, today’s attempts to mold such titles seem more contrived than sincere. Stalin has repeatedly claimed that children refer to him as “Appa,” but given the alarming rise in crimes against women and children in Tamil Nadu, the moniker rings hollow. One must ask: is “Appa” a heartfelt title or a veiled plea for protection?
Tamil Nadu’s political landscape is no stranger to branding. Jayalalithaa successfully transformed herself into “Amma” by embedding the name into a wide range of welfare schemes, fostering a deep-rooted emotional bond with the electorate. In contrast, Stalin’s push for “Appa” feels like a top-down marketing campaign, reinforced by repetitive slogans and state events rather than genuine public sentiment.
From school breakfast programs to urban development announcements, Stalin takes every opportunity to reinforce the “Appa” narrative—even at events entirely unrelated to education. The message is clear: if you say it enough, maybe people will start to believe it.
While the DMK’s attempt fell flat, TVK’s effort to position its leader appears utterly absurd. Titles are earned naturally through public recognition, not self-assigned out of entitlement. TVK should understand that respect must be deserved, not demanded.
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