TVK founder and Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay came to power attacking the DMK and AIADMK for allegedly running governments built on favoritism, backroom influence, propaganda networks and appointments based on personal loyalty rather than merit. Vijay repeatedly projected himself as someone who would practice what he preached and hold his own government to higher moral standards.
But within weeks of assuming office, critics say the government is increasingly being defined by a “one rule for others, another rule for ourselves” approach.
From warning ministers not to appoint friends to government posts while simultaneously elevating his own close associates into advisory and ministerial positions, to attacking propaganda politics while allegedly relying on aggressive digital PR machinery and unelected influence networks, opposition voices argue that many of the very political practices TVK once condemned are now resurfacing under Vijay’s administration itself.
Vijay’s “No Friends In Government Posts” Message
The controversy intensified after reports emerged that Vijay had allegedly instructed ministers not to appoint individuals to government posts merely because they were friends, acquaintances or belonged to the same social circle.
The directive was celebrated by TVK supporters online as proof that Vijay intended to end the culture of favoritism and “recommendation politics” long associated with Dravidian parties. The message was projected as evidence that the TVK government would function differently from previous administrations.
However, one wonders if Vijay himself was following the principle he was preaching to his ministers.
Astrologer Appointment Sparks First Major Embarrassment
One of the earliest controversies after TVK assumed office involved Vijay’s reported attempt to appoint his personal astrologer, Radhan Pandit, as an Officer on Special Duty (OSD) or political adviser.
The appointment triggered immediate backlash, especially from DMK circles, who questioned how a government presenting itself as modern, progressive and reformist could appoint an astrologer to an influential advisory role in government.
The contradiction between TVK’s public image and the symbolism of appointing a personal astrologer to a state-linked position was very visible. Facing mounting criticism, Vijay abruptly withdrew the appointment.
John Arokiasamy Replaces Astrologer As Advisor
The controversy did not end with the withdrawal of Rathan Pandit.
The advisor role was handed over to John Arokiasamy, an election strategist and longtime behind-the-scenes associate of Vijay who is said to have played a major role in designing TVK’s election strategy and political messaging.
Even after publicly instructing ministers not to reward friends and loyalists with government positions, Vijay himself appeared to be filling advisory posts with individuals from his personal and political inner circle.
Friends Rise Rapidly As MLAs And Ministers
Questions also emerged over the rapid rise of several individuals closely associated with Vijay personally rather than politically.
“Bussy” Anand, widely seen as one of Vijay’s closest confidants who managed his affairs for years, was given an MLA seat and eventually elevated to ministerial rank after TVK came to power.
Similarly, Venkatraman, described as Vijay’s personal auditor and accountant, also secured an MLA position. He was subsequently made a minister too.
Despite TVK’s promise to end personality-driven politics and favoritism, several of the party’s early appointments appeared heavily influenced by personal proximity to Vijay himself.
Raj Bhavan Visits Trigger Questions Over Unelected Influencers
Another controversy emerged during Vijay’s repeated visits to Raj Bhavan to meet Governor Rajendra Arlekar during the process of staking claim to form government.
Photographs from one of the meetings showed not only ministers but also businessmen and film-industry-linked figures accompanying Vijay during the interaction with the Governor.
One of the individuals identified was reportedly linked to KVN Productions, the production house behind Vijay’s film Jananayagam.
One wondered why private film producers with no constitutional or party role were being included in politically sensitive meetings with the Governor, arguing that the visuals reinforced perceptions that personal and industry networks were being integrated into governance structures.
Vishnuvardhan Reddy’s Influence Raises Political Concerns
Particular scrutiny has fallen on Vishnuvardhan Reddy, a businessman allegedly linked to granite and real-estate networks in Andhra Pradesh. He was also seen along with Vijay and Jana Nayagan producer during his visits to Raj Bhavan.
Reddy is reportedly closely associated with business circles connected to former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y. S. Jagan Mohan Reddy through businessman Anil Reddy, who has faced scrutiny in an Enforcement Directorate-linked liquor kickback investigation in Andhra Pradesh.
As per reports, Vishnuvardhan Reddy has now been brought into Vijay’s ecosystem as an advisor for “public events.”
The role potentially gives influence over government functions, field-level administration, public programs and event management despite the individual holding no elected position in Tamil Nadu politics.
It is also alleged that unelected business-linked individuals are increasingly exercising influence over areas connected to mining, minerals and contracts while elected ministers merely hold formal portfolios.
Jagadish And “The Route” PR Machinery
Another recurring controversy involves Jagadish, linked to the PR agency “The Route,” who is widely perceived as one of the principal architects behind Vijay’s publicity and digital ecosystem.
TVK’s online machinery functions like a coordinated propaganda operation designed to aggressively shield the leadership from criticism while attacking dissenting voices online.
Individuals within the film industry who refuse to align with PR networks connected to Vijay allegedly face systematic attempts to isolate or demonize them within industry circles.
Selective Action Against Online Abuse
The Vijay government has also come under criticism over allegations of selective intolerance toward criticism.
The administration swiftly arrested an individual accused of posting abusive content targeting Vijay online. While many agreed that obscene abuse against political leaders should not be normalized, one wonders why abusive threats allegedly made by pro-TVK supporters against journalists, critics and commentators were not facing similar action.
Additionally, the hypocrisy is stark when the government is seen applying different standards depending on who the target of the abuse was.
Instagram Accounts Allegedly Being Disabled
For several days now, critics of the government have alleged that Instagram accounts questioning TVK ministers are being mass-reported and disabled through coordinated online campaigns.
A party which marketed itself as a democratic corrective to authoritarian political culture is now increasingly appearing intolerant toward criticism and dissent.
“Give Vijay Time” Argument By TVK Supporters
Another debate erupted after TVK supporters repeatedly argued that the new government should be given more time before being judged.
If the party has formed the government, then why is the administration acting immediately for arresting critics online while simultaneously asking the public to patiently wait months or years before evaluating governance failures?
The debate also intensified over issues related to law and order, with several murders, sexual assault cases and crimes against women reported since TVK assumed office. While infrastructure projects and economic reforms may take years, maintaining law and order falls directly under the government’s immediate responsibility.
Srinath’s Rise Also Comes Under Scrutiny
Fisheries Minister Srinath has also faced scrutiny as his rapid rise within the party was heavily influenced by his close personal relationship with Vijay.
One wonders whether TVK’s promise of merit-based politics was already being undermined by appointments and elevations rooted in personal loyalty and proximity to the Chief Minister.
Crony Politics At Best
The core issue is no longer whether mistakes happen in government – every administration faces controversy. The larger accusation against TVK is hypocrisy.
Vijay built his political identity by claiming he would not behave like the leaders he criticised. He spoke repeatedly about transparency, accountability and ending favoritism in governance. But many of the government’s earliest controversies now revolve around the exact issues TVK once weaponised against rivals: friends becoming advisers, loyalists rising rapidly into power, businessmen gaining access and influence, PR ecosystems aggressively controlling narratives and critics allegedly facing intimidation online.
The emerging pattern increasingly resembles a “one rule for ministers and another for Vijay’s inner circle” style of governance. For a party that rose by promising moral and political superiority over traditional Dravidian parties, critics say the contradiction is becoming harder to defend with each passing controversy.
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