Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) founder and actor-politician Vijay has come under criticism for maintaining silence over controversial remarks made by DMK MP and Deputy General Secretary Tiruchi N. Siva against former Chief Minister K. Kamaraj, despite Kamarajar being declared as one of TVK’s ideological icons.
During a DMK meeting in Perambur, Tiruchi Siva claimed that Kamaraj required air conditioning to sleep, and further alleged that the former Chief Minister, on his deathbed, held M. Karunanidhi’s hand and told him to “save the country and democracy.” These claims were widely criticised across the political spectrum, with many accusing Siva of distorting history to elevate Karunanidhi’s legacy while undermining Kamaraj’s austere public image.
Despite the backlash, Vijay and TVK have issued no statement condemning the remarks. Critics have noted the stark contrast between Vijay’s earlier outrage when leaders made remarks about Periyar (EVR), another ideological icon claimed by TVK, and his current silence regarding Kamaraj.
Condemned UPSC For Mentioning EV Ramasamy Naicker’s Original Name In Prelims Question Paper
At an event hosted by his political party in May 2025, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), actor-turned-part-time politician Vijay criticized the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) for including a question in a civil services exam that referred to E.V. Ramasamy Naicker (EVR) by his full name, including the caste-indicative suffix “Naicker.” Vijay described the inclusion as offensive and deeply condemnable.
He said, “Even in recent times, attempts are being made to associate casteist labels with Periyar. In the latest UPSC exam, a question was asked that framed him along caste lines. We strongly condemn this.”
#WATCH | #TVK Chief #Vijay urges students to reject caste and religious divisions, saying nature knows no caste. He strongly condemns the #UPSC question on Periyar’s caste.#TVKVijay @actorvijay @TVKVijayHQ pic.twitter.com/Ntpjlgj2aC
— The Federal (@TheFederal_News) May 30, 2025
Political observers have pointed out the inconsistency, accusing Vijay of ideological opportunism. They argue that Vijay’s selective responses reveal a political calculation rather than a principled stance, especially when both EVR and Kamaraj are prominently featured in the party’s stated value framework.
Several social media users and opposition leaders have called out the actor-politician’s silence as a betrayal of the very values TVK claims to uphold. Some users noted that when Periyar was criticised, Vijay reacted publicly and swiftly, but when Kamaraj was insulted by a senior DMK leader, his silence has been deafening.
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