TVK Leader Arunraaj Denies DMK Allegations, Claims Vijay’s Support Growing After Karur Incident

In a scathing critique that signals escalating political tensions in Tamil Nadu, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) Propaganda General Secretary Arunraaj has launched a blistering attack on the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), accusing the party of resorting to “false propaganda and abusive language” while failing to gauge public sentiment.

Speaking in an exclusive interview, Arunraaj claimed DMK leaders are increasingly “scared of TVK” and are merely “trying to create enthusiasm among their cadres through empty words” – remarks that underscore the growing rivalry between the established DMK and the emerging TVK led by actor-turned-politician Vijay.

The controversy centers partly around DMK’s recent ‘Arivu Thiruvizha’ (Knowledge Festival), which Arunraaj claims transformed from an intellectual gathering into an “abuse festival” targeting TVK and its leader. “DMK once had strong ideological backing but now it has been reduced to family politics and abusing others,” he alleged, highlighting what he sees as a deterioration in political discourse.

In response to Chief Minister MK Stalin’s assertion that no ‘giant’ could challenge DMK, Arunraaj suggested the ruling party is “living in a dream house” and disconnected from ground realities. “They are not reading the pulse of the people. Anti-incumbency is growing every day while TVK’s popularity is rising. His statement only shows that DMK is scared,” he stated.

The TVK leader reserved particular criticism for Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin, who recently compared TVK to cardboard film sets – a metaphor suggesting the party lacks substance. “He was a film actor and remains a film actor. These are simple dialogues to divert attention from law-and-order failures,” Arunraaj countered, citing recent incidents in Coimbatore, Rajapalayam, and Tiruchy as evidence of governance failures.

Responding to accusations that TVK lacks ideological foundation, Arunraaj described such claims as “nothing but denial of a huge political force backed by ideology.” He attributed TVK’s growing acceptance to Vijay’s charisma and what he termed the party’s “ideology of the soil” – suggesting a focus on regional identity and Tamil interests.

The interview also addressed the tragic Karur stampede incident, with Arunraaj claiming it had only strengthened Vijay’s determination. “You could see it in his body language during the General Council meeting. He has reached a state of mind where nothing can stop him,” he said, adding that TVK is closely monitoring the ongoing CBI investigation into the incident.

On the political strategy front, Arunraaj clarified TVK’s position regarding potential alliances ahead of the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections. “We are open to alliance partners who accept our leadership, except BJP and DMK,” he stated firmly, noting that the party’s General Council had already unanimously declared Vijay as their Chief Ministerial candidate.

This stance comes amid reports of overtures from the AIADMK, which has reportedly shown willingness to include TVK in its alliance framework. Without directly addressing these reports, Arunraaj suggested the party’s position was already clear.

The TVK spokesperson also dismissed DMK’s suggestions that the large crowds at TVK events may not translate into electoral support. He alleged it was actually DMK that paid “Rs 500 and biryani per person” for gatherings, contrasting this with what he described as TVK’s organic support: “People come to see our leader with love, as families. They will not vote for other parties. They will convert ten more voters for us. They are not cadres but warriors.”

This increasingly confrontational rhetoric between TVK and DMK highlights the changing political landscape in Tamil Nadu, a state traditionally dominated by Dravidian parties. With Vijay’s entry into politics, the established power dynamics appear to be shifting, setting the stage for what promises to be a fiercely contested election in 2026.

Political analysts note that TVK’s emergence represents the latest chapter in Tamil Nadu’s long history of film personalities transitioning to politics, following in the footsteps of figures like MGR, Jayalalithaa, and Karunanidhi himself.