CHENNAI – Actor Vijay’s heated address at his party’s second state congress in Madurai on Thursday changed the political landscape of Tamil Nadu in a big way. Vijay’s harsh critiques of the state’s established political players during the event, which drew a huge crowd, got quick and loud responses from the ruling DMK, the opposition AIADMK, and the BJP.
Vijay said in his speech that the 2026 Assembly election would be a frontal battle between his TVK and the DMK. He went after Chief Minister M.K. Stalin personally, calling him “Stalin uncle” in a sarcastic way and accusing his government of being hypocritical on subjects like women’s safety and its connections with the BJP. Vijay asked the gathering if the DMK had kept its promises. “You ask women to call you appa (father), but there is no safety for women themselves,” he remarked.
Municipal Administration Minister K.N. Nehru strongly criticized Vijay’s speech, calling it “low standard” and rude. Nehru said, “He has stooped to a low standard in calling a tall political leader who has been in politics for four decades and is the current Chief Minister ‘uncle.'” He said that the DMK would give Vijay a “fitting reply” in the election of 2026.
Vijay also criticized the BJP and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying that the federal government is unfair to minorities and bringing up topics like the return of Katchatheevu island and the NEET exam, which is controversial. Tamilisai Soundararajan, a leader of the BJP, criticized Vijay for criticizing the Prime Minister, saying his speech was like a “one-day film show” with “movie dialogues.” She called the Prime Minister a “master prime minister who is loved by the whole world.”
The AIADMK, which Vijay had lambasted for working with the BJP, also joined the chorus of criticism. C. Vaigaiselvan, a spokesperson for the AIADMK, said that Vijay and his TVK would “disappear” after the 2026 elections. R.B. Udayakumar, the Deputy Leader of the Opposition, said that both national and regional parties “have to rally behind the AIADMK to unseat the DMK.” This implies that Vijay’s party won’t be a big deal.
Vijay, who is often likened to famous politicians like M.G. Ramachandran, said in his speech that his party will be “truly secular” and would not have any “hidden tie-ups” with the BJP. He also made a surprise announcement that he would contest from the Madurai East constituency in the 2026 election, a move seen as a symbolic declaration that he would be the main face of his party across the state.