A Tamil Nadu government bus has triggered controversy after its digital display was seen carrying political slogans targeting the DMK, including “Om Sakthi, Parasakthi… DMK Oru Theeya Sakthi” (DMK is an evil force), “Kolathur Kothu Parotta Stalin Uncle”, “Where Is Your Father?” and “Kakkoos Leader Udhayanidhi”, as reported in OneIndia Tamil.
The video of the bus, reportedly operating on the Tiruchirappalli–Puducherry route, has circulated on social media, drawing criticism over the alleged use of a government transport service to promote political messaging against the opposition.
Digital displays on government buses ordinarily show destination names and route information. Buses operating under the free travel scheme for women also carry labels such as “Vidiyal Payanam” and “Vettri Payanam.” The appearance of slogans attacking the DMK on a TNSTC bus has therefore raised questions about the use of public transport infrastructure for political messaging.
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The slogans echo the attacks that Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) leaders have directed at the DMK since the party came to power in Tamil Nadu. Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay has used the phrase “Om Sakthi, Parasakthi… DMK Oru Theeya Sakthi” during election campaigning. In the Assembly, TVK ministers have also reportedly responded to DMK members with jibes such as “Kolathur Kothu Parotta” and “Where Is Your Father?”
TVK ministers C.T.R. Nirmal Kumar and Aadhav Arjuna have separately targeted Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin, using the derogatory term “Bathroom (kakkoos) Leader.”
The controversy also follows an earlier dispute over allegations that students at schools visited by Vijay had been made to raise political slogans, drawing criticism at the time.
The video has prompted objections from DMK supporters, who have criticised the alleged use of government infrastructure for partisan messaging. However, the circumstances behind the display—including who entered or authorised the slogans and whether any official action has been taken—remain to be established.
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