What do you get when you take DMK’s worn-out playbook, slap on a fresh coat of celebrity paint? You get yet another Dravidianist knockoff — loud on theatrics, hollow on substance. Different face, same rotten core.
Part-time, work-from-home politician Vijay has now officially declared himself as the Chief Ministerial candidate for the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, representing his newly floated Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK). In an executive committee meeting, the party passed a special resolution confirming this decision. Vijay also categorically ruled out forming any alliance with either the DMK or the BJP.
This move has raised eyebrows, as it mirrors the earlier political strategy of actor-turned-politician Kamal Haasan, who fiercely opposed the DMK at first only to later align with them in exchange for a single Rajya Sabha seat, effectively mortgaging his own party, Makkal Needhi Maiam.
The irony hasn’t been lost on political observers. There’s already speculation, will TVK, and Vijay himself, go as far as to mimic the DMK’s style completely? Will he read out rehearsed scripts from bits of paper, just like DMK leaders, he did the same and moreover he parroted the DMK’s rhetoric claiming that “no one can win in Tamil Nadu by opposing Periyar (E.V. Ramasamy Naicker).” In fact, even the Dravidar Kazhagam isn’t as theatrically devoted to EVR’s legacy as Vijay appears to be becoming.
Speaking from the TVK headquarters in Panaiyur, Vijay said, “We will never have a direct or indirect alliance with ideological opponents and divisive forces. At the Union level, the BJP seeks to cold-heartedly exploit cheap political gains by religiously dividing people and sowing discord among them. These malicious tactics of theirs might work elsewhere, but they will never succeed in Tamil Nadu. This land of Tamil Nadu is deeply rooted in social justice, harmony, brotherhood, and equality. Therefore, if the BJP attempts to do politics by insulting Periyar, slandering Arignar Anna, or using other revered leaders of Tamil Nadu, they will never succeed. We are neither the DMK nor the ADMK, who are willing to cozy up and form alliances with the BJP for selfish political gains. We are the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK). Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam is very firm on its stance that it will never have a direct or indirect alliance with ideological opponents and divisive forces. We would also like to state unequivocally through our executive committee that any alliance formed under the leadership of the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam will always be against both the DMK and the BJP, and there is no room for compromise on this.”
Copy-Paste Politics: Vijay’s TVK Becomes DMK 2.0
Can’t Speak Without A Script
Actor-turned-politician Vijay has come under sharp public scrutiny for blatant imitation of DMK chief M.K. Stalin’s speaking style. His recent habit of reading pre-written scripts (Bit paper) often stumbling through basic Tamil pronunciations like saying “nam” instead of “naam” has sparked ridicule. Critics point out that while both Vijay and Stalin claim to be defenders of Tamil identity, their delivery often betrays a lack of linguistic authenticity.
This has only reinforced the growing perception that Vijay and his Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) are merely a B-Team of the DMK, echoing its ideology and tactics while pretending to offer a fresh alternative.
Vijay: Yet Another EVR Simp
Part-time-politician Vijay has repeatedly shown his allegiance to E.V. Ramasamy Naicker (EVR), the founder of the Dravidian movement known for his vehement anti-Brahmin, anti-Hindu, and anti-Sanskrit rhetoric. Every time he gets a platform, Vijay seizes the opportunity to glorify EVR a figure often compared by critics to authoritarian ideologues like Hitler, given his calls for the eradication of the Brahmin community and his frequent abuse of Hindu deities and traditions.
Take, for instance, the first anniversary celebration of Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) in Mahabalipuram. In a bizarre and telling gesture, Vijay presented political strategist Prashant Kishor, a Bihari and notably a Brahmin with a bust of EVR, the same man who built his legacy on anti-Brahmin, anti-Hindi, and anti-Hindu rhetoric. That act didn’t just raise eyebrows it cemented Vijay’s unwavering commitment to Periyarist ideology.
On EVR’s 146th birth anniversary, Vijay was seen barefoot at Periyar Thidal, laying flowers and garlanding EVR’s statue, a gesture more devout than even members of the Dravidar Kazhagam (DK), EVR’s own ideological heirs. This is the same Vijay who, like Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, never extends greetings on Hindu festivals but enthusiastically commemorates anything remotely connected to the other religion and events.
Outrage Over “Naicker” But Only When It’s Convenient
More recently, Vijay lashed out at the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) for including the full name “E.V. Ramasamy Naicker” in a civil services exam, calling it “deeply offensive.” He claimed it was an insult to Periyar. Yet, the irony couldn’t be more glaring, Viduthalai, the official publication of the DK itself, continues to use the full name “Ramasamy Naicker” and did so as recently as 17 May in an editorial titled “Engum Ramasamy Naicker” (Ramasamy Naicker Everywhere).
So, who exactly is being offensive? Vijay’s performative outrage suggests he wants to outdo even the DK in his loyalty to EVR while also revealing his double standards.
Outrage When EVR Is Targeted, Silence When Kamaraj Is Slandered
DMK MP and Deputy General Secretary Tiruchi N. Siva had derogated Kamarajar as someone who couldn’t sleep without AC in an attempt to glorify Karunanidhi
At a DMK gathering in Perambur, Tiruchi Siva alleged that Kamaraj needed air conditioning to sleep and claimed that, on his deathbed, Kamaraj held M. Karunanidhi’s hand and urged him to “save the country and democracy.” These remarks sparked widespread condemnation, with many accusing Siva of twisting historical facts to glorify Karunanidhi while diminishing Kamaraj’s well-known simplicity and integrity.
Despite the public outrage — and the fact that Kamaraj is hailed as one of TVK’s core ideological icons — neither Vijay nor his party has uttered a word in condemnation.
Selective Outrage So that DMK Gets a Free Pass
Vijay’s hypocrisy is further exposed when comparing his outrage over the UPSC to his silence on the Tamil Nadu Public Service Commission (TNPSC). The same TNPSC, in its Group 1 exam papers for top state services like Deputy Collector and DSP, openly used caste identifiers for historical figures: “Subbarayalu Reddiar,” “V.O. Chidambaram Pillai,” “Vanchinathan Aiyar,” “Dr. Muthulakshmi Reddy,” and “Arcot Ramasamy Mudaliar” all mentioned with caste titles intact. Yet, only EVR’s caste surname, “Naicker,” was conveniently removed.
Where was Vijay’s roar then? Nowhere. Because criticizing TNPSC would be equivalent to criticizing the DMK and how could he risk that, given the deep ideological overlap between TVK and the ruling party?
In summary, Vijay’s obsession with EVR and his relentless efforts to prove himself as a true heir to the Dravidian legacy may impress a small section of hardcore ideologues. But his glaring hypocrisy outraged by UPSC for using “Naicker” while silent on TNPSC for doing far more lays bare a truth his followers may find hard to swallow Vijay isn’t just echoing Periyarism; he’s doing so with selective outrage, opportunism, and blind loyalty to the DMK’s ideological line.
Borrowing The “Appa” Branding from Stalin
In what looks like an image-building attempt ripped straight from the DMK’s PR manual, TVK recently attempted to brand Vijay as “Appa” just as the DMK tries to position Stalin as the fatherly figure of the state, akin to how the late Jayalalithaa was called “Amma.”
A cringeworthy moment unfolded during a TVK event in Mahabalipuram on 4 June 2025, where Vijay was greeting top-performing students. A small child took to the stage and announced, “In 2026, Vijay Appa will be the Chief Minister. In 2031, Vijay Appa will still be the Chief Minister.”
Observers quickly dismissed it as a scripted stunt, mocking it as yet another borrowed branding trick from the DMK’s playbook. Critics argue that instead of building a unique vision or identity, TVK is simply rehashing the DMK’s old PR formulas.
TVK’s Ideology: Ctrl + C, Ctrl + V From The DMK Handbook
From the outset, Vijay has made it clear that his party’s ideological foundation is essentially a carbon copy of the DMK. From his very first press conference, Vijay described TVK’s ideology as centered around secular social justice and positioned the party as left-leaning with a Dravidian outlook. The fountain head of Hindu-hate and Dravidianist demagogue EV Ramasamy Naicker (hailed as ‘Periyar’ by his followers) is the ideological head of both DMK and TVK.
Vijay too has emphasized that TVK would uphold values such as the two-language policy, social justice, secularism (read pseudo-secularism), socialism, the same that DMK keeps mouthing.
Vijay’s political rhetoric appears to be a direct copy-paste from DMK’s ideological blueprint, raising questions about whether TVK truly brings anything new to Tamil Nadu’s political landscape or if it’s merely a repackaged glossier version of the existing DMK.
A Mirror Image Of DMK’s Minority Appeasement
Much like the DMK, Vijay seems to engage in minority appeasement, closely following the ruling party’s well-established tactics. From the moment he launched his party, TVK, his actions have subtly but unmistakably mirrored the DMK’s approach.
The Tilak Gimmick And Its Sudden Disappearance
Before his first official press conference, Vijay orchestrated a carefully crafted public appearance a ‘meet and greet’ event where a woman applied a tilak on his forehead. This move was seemingly designed to project an image of religious inclusivity, subtly hinting that he embraced all faiths. Initially, his party letterhead even featured an image of him with the tilak. However, as time passed, all such Hindu symbolism vanished. His official portrait on the TVK letterhead was later replaced with a plain, tilak-free version of Vijay. This follows the DMK’s long-standing strategy of erasing Hindu identity from Tamil saints and historical figures, portraying them in neutral white robes while openly celebrating other religious symbols, such as the cross for Christianity or the kulla (skullcap) for Islam. This selective approach fosters minority appeasement while alienating the Hindu majority.
Muslim Appeasement: A Page From The DMK Playbook
Another notable pattern in Vijay’s political journey is his strategic milking on Muslim representation. Whether on stage at political events or during award functions, he consistently ensures the presence of burqa-clad Muslim women near him, reinforcing a visual appeal to the Muslim community. This tactic aligns with the DMK’s longstanding approach of courting the Muslim vote bank through targeted outreach.
Vijay further demonstrated this alignment when he actively participated in an Iftar event during Ramadan, donning a kulla (skullcap), a white shirt, and a veshti an unmistakable visual gesture of solidarity with the Muslim community. This move is a direct reflection of the DMK’s history of religious posturing to secure minority votes.
Here are some sample of the DMK’s signature approach to minority appeasement, particularly towards the Muslim community.
Christian Appeasement And Political Simping
Christian appeasement comes naturally to the DMK, with leaders like Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin openly identifying as Christian. Of course, he balances it with his signature doublespeak, claiming, “I’m a Hindu for those who see me as Hindu, a Muslim for those who see me as Muslim, and a Christian for those who see me as Christian.”
DMK Speaker Appavu even made controversial remarks crediting Tamil Nadu’s progress to Christians, claiming that without them, the state would have turned into Bihar. Vijay, a Christian himself, has followed this pattern seamlessly.
His religious identity became more politically evident in 2017 when he actively branded himself as “Joseph Vijay,” a move widely seen as an effort to consolidate Christian support. Taking it a step further, he appointed key Christian figures to crucial roles within his party, such as John Arokiasamy and Aadhav Arjuna (the son-in-law of controversial lottery businessman Martin).
The Vote Bank Strategy A Calculated Move
Census data in Tamil Nadu clearly indicates the size and influence of minority communities. Political parties that cater to these groups can often secure their unwavering support 15-20%, leading to a bloc vote with minimal fragmentation. The DMK has mastered this strategy over decades, and now Vijay appears to be following suit, carving out his own share of the minority vote while remaining firmly within the broader DMK ideological framework. The DMK, in turn, seems to tolerate Vijay’s rise, recognizing that even if he gains influence, he will never function as an anti-DMK force. Instead, he remains a mere shadow of the ruling party, reinforcing its political dominance rather than challenging it.
Vijay’s TVK Substituting DMK To Become TN’s New Anti-Development Force
If the question is whether Vijay is merely whether as the DMK in opposition mode, the answer is a clear yes. Vijay’s TVK, with its anti-progressive stance, is clearly adopting policies that mirror those of the DMK’s opposition era. His rhetoric, aimed at influencing the youth and parents, closely follows the same strategy employed by Dravidian ideologies for years. For instance, he opposes development projects like the proposed Parandur airport, champions an anti-NEET mindset, advocates for a two-language policy with a particular focus on opposing Hindi, and pushes for policies that disadvantage poor and marginalized students, particularly those in government schools. Additionally, his opposition to the National Education Policy, which seeks to establish a pan-India education standard, and his stance on the Citizenship Amendment Act echo similar opposition tactics used by the DMK in the past. The DMK, while in opposition, exploited these issues to rally the public by claiming the ability to secure people’s rights from the central government presenting a false dichotomy but after coming to power showed bare hands claiming that only the central government holds the power. Now, Vijay, the part-time, work-from-home politician, seems to be using the same strategy to manipulate public sentiment ultimately fooling the people with a similar political game.
In this backdrop, below are some of his political stunts that highlight his dual role both as an opposition figure to the DMK and as a shadow of it, mirroring their strategies with the approach of “one punch in the coconut tree, one punch in the palm tree,” skillfully balancing his criticisms of both the central and state governments without upsetting either’s sentiments
Both Oppose Infrastructure Projects
Vijay, during his visit to Parandur, alleged that the proposed airport would destroy 90% of farmland and 13 water bodies, calling the project “anti-people.“ He also questioned why the DMK, which had opposed projects like the Salem eight-lane expressway and Kattupalli port, was supporting the Parandur airport. However, a closer look at the Airports Authority of India (AAI) pre-feasibility report and the Tamil Nadu government’s decision-making process reveals that Vijay’s statements are either misleading or based on incomplete information.
The Airports Authority of India (AAI) conducted a detailed study to identify the most suitable site for Chennai’s second airport, considering locations like Padalam, Thiruporur, Pannur, and Parandur. Parandur emerged as the best option due to factors such as airspace restrictions at other sites, availability of 5,369 acres of land, better connectivity through the Chennai-Bengaluru Expressway, and fewer displacements compared to Pannur. Additionally, Parandur offers significant potential for future development, unlike the more densely developed Pannur site. Vijay’s claims about the project destroying 90% of farmland and 13 water bodies lack substantiation and overlook the thorough environmental and social impact analysis in the AAI report. Critics suggest that Vijay’s opposition to the project is driven by political motives, with his visit to the protest site viewed as a publicity stunt. Aviation experts argue that Parandur is the most feasible site for the airport, and relocating the project would cause delays and increased costs.
A similar approach was taken by the DMK in 2019 when it criticized the AIADMK government while in the opposition, but once it came to power, the party acknowledged the airport as a crucial need for the state’s economy.
Both Oppose NEET
During the executive committee meeting in Panaiyur on 3 November 2024, which was presided over by Vijay, a resolution was passed calling for the abolition of the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET). This comes despite data indicating that more underprivileged students, including those from tribal communities, have been able to secure medical seats through the exam in recent years.
Even the DMK, which had previously claimed to have the ‘Secret Weapon’ to make the central government to abolish NEET, switched its stance when Chief Minister MK Stalin admitted in a recent assembly speech that the central government holds the power to revoke NEET, contradicting earlier claims. TVK’s Vijay holds a similar stance on abolishing the exam, and it remains to be seen whether he will reverse his position like the DMK in the next NEET exam season.
Both Call For Abolition Of Governor Post
TVK’s resolutions on 3 November 2024 reiterated their stance on abolishing the Governor’s post. However, in the wake of the sexual harassment case at Anna University, which allegedly involved a DMK functionary, and widespread speculation that the DMK might protect the accused, TVK party chief Vijay sought the Governor’s intervention. It seems that Vijay has now come to recognize the importance of having a neutral figure above the government, capable of questioning the state’s actions when constitutional mechanisms fail. Previously, however, without fully understanding the role and significance of the office, he had called for the abolition of the Governor’s post, which was both impractical and unconstitutional. This stance has been a hallmark of the DMK since its inception, with the party’s founder C.N. Annadurai famously describing the position of Governor as “redundant as a goat’s beard.” This sentiment continues to this day, as evidenced in the 2024 Lok Sabha election manifesto, where the DMK again called for the abolition of the Governor’s post.
Similarly, in January 2024, Udhayanidhi Stalin, the current Deputy Chief Minister and scion of the DMK, led the party’s Youth Wing in passing a resolution calling for the abolition of the Governor’s post in Tamil Nadu. The resolution argued that the governor was attempting to run a parallel administration, undermining the authority of the state’s elected representatives. The resolution, passed at the 2nd DMK Youth Wing Meet, asserted that abolishing the position of Governor was essential to safeguard democracy.
Both Oppose Three-Language Policy
Vijay has strongly opposed the three-language policy, despite his own son, Jason Sanjay, studying at the American International School in Chennai, where languages like French, Spanish, and Korean are offered alongside English. In some IB schools, students also have the option to choose Hindi. The rationale behind the three-language policy is to provide marginalized students even many of whom currently lack access to government schools a chance to learn a third language. This would enable them to pursue careers as translators, communicators, and open doors to international job opportunities.
However, Vijay, along with other Dravidian leaders and the DMK, oppose marginalized students to venture beyond Tamil Nadu. They seem to believe these students should remain confined to the state, study locally, and take on menial jobs, ultimately serving as a political vote base through emotional appeals. The hypocrisy lies in the fact that this “two-language policy” exception doesn’t apply to Matriculation, CBSE, or international boards, which offer a wider array of language options. Yet, Vijay appears intent on following this same narrow-minded stance.
Even more surprisingly, just like DMK leaders and their allies who own CBSE schools that promote multilingual education, Vijay’s own CBSE school, Vijay Vidyashram, proudly boasts and celebrate Hindi the very language they publicly oppose.
Both Depict Wrong Map of India
On 23 October 2024, the DMK’s NRI wing sparked controversy by sharing a post on the social media platform X that featured an inaccurate map of India, wrongly depicting parts of Jammu and Kashmir as belonging to Pakistan and China. After facing severe backlash, the post was later altered.
Following the DMK’s book keeping principle, at a book launch event titled “Ambedkar: A Leader for All,” held in Chennai on 6 December 2024, to commemorate Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s death anniversary, another similar controversy arose. Actor-turned-politician and Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) chief Vijay attended the event, where an incorrect map of India this time omitting Aksai Chin was deliberately displayed.
Both Opposed Central Govt On Other Matters
TVK chief Vijay has adopted a stance similar to that of the DMK, opposing any initiatives proposed by the central government. DMK chief and Chief Minister MK Stalin argued that the legislation posed a threat to “alter India’s polity forever.” Similarly, during the TVK party resolution, Vijay strongly opposed the “one nation, one election” proposal, criticizing it as an anti-democratic move by the BJP-led Union government.
In addition, TVK has mirrored the DMK’s tendency to pander to Islamist interests. The party has called for the withdrawal of the Waqf (Amendment) Bill amid reports of vast areas of land and entire villages being claimed by the Waqf Board.
Finally, in a recent development regarding the delimitation issue, DMK leader M.K. Stalin brought it into the spotlight on 25 February 2025, describing it as a “sword dangling over the southern states” following a state cabinet meeting. Shortly after, TVK chief Vijay stepped in to reinforce the DMK’s stance, penning a lengthy five-page letter opposing the imaginary upcoming delimitation process on 5 March 2025. However, a closer look reveals that his arguments are merely a recycled version of the DMK’s well-worn narratives.
Deliberately Neglecting Hindu Interest
Despite actor-turned-part-time politician, Vijay has shifted his stance from deliberately avoiding wishes for Hindu festivals while extending greetings for festivals of other religions. This pattern aligns with the DMK’s approach and was widely criticized. It was only after facing backlash that Vijay eventually acknowledged Saraswati Pooja. Notably, during his party’s first conference, he stated that while he follows E.V.R. Periyar’s principles, he does not adhere to atheism an important aspect of his political trajectory.
Previously, TVK chief Vijay faced significant backlash for skipping wishes for Hindu festivals and Tamil New Year in Tamil Nadu while extending greetings for Onam, a Hindu festival celebrated in Kerala. This inconsistency did not go unnoticed, and he was criticized for hypocrisy, drawing parallels to the DMK’s approach.
Here is a list of political stunts he has engaged in since launching his new party, primarily consisting of online gestures that send indirect messages.
Not Wishing For Vinayakar Chaturthi
Vijay did not acknowledge or wish the people of the state for Vinayakar Chaturthi, a festival celebrated by 87.58% of the Hindu population. Kollywood actor and TVK chief Vijay appeared to be deliberately avoiding respecting the cultural values and beliefs of Hindus and Tamils. His selective social media posts on his official X account support this accusation.
Not Wishing For Tamil New Year (Puthandu)
Instead of wishing for Tamil New Year which is a significant festival for Hindus in Tamil Nadu, Vijay chose to wish his fans and followers for Ambedkar Jayanti, which coincidentally falls on the same day. This is the same strategy employed by the DMK on the auspicious occasion of Hindu celebrations and festivals such as Vinayakar Chaturthi, Saraswathi Pooja, and other festive occasions.
No Wishes For Krishna Jayanti
Vijay cautiously neglected even the Hindu festival of Krishna Jayanthi on 26 August 2024.
Wishing For Onam
Surprisingly, as if making a statement to reach out to his Malayali fans and followers, Vijay wished for the Onam festival. It’s noteworthy that DMK (MK Stalin) also had wished for Onam last year. On 15 September 2024, TVK chief Vijay shared Onam wishes on his official X account, stating, “Happy #Onam from the bottom of my heart to all Malayalam relatives! A hearty Onam to my very own Malayali friends.”
Wishing For Christian, Muslim Festivals & Other Special Days
He has acknowledged and wished for Muslim festivals like Ramzan and Eid, Christian festivals like Easter, as well as neutral days such as May 1 (Labour Day), Ambedkar Jayanti, Independence Day, and Mother’s Day.
All this proves that TVK is tne 2.0 version of the DMK.
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