DMK using calamities for photo ops, slams Vijay at Ambedkar book launch event

CHENNAI: From caste and social justice issues like Vengaivayal incident to alleged example of poor governance in handling the aftermath of Cyclone Fengal, actor-politician Vijay picked up from where he left off at his party TVK’s maiden State conference in unleashing a scathing attack on the ruling DMK.

In many ways, Vijay’s address at the event where the book, ‘Ellarukkumana Thalaivar Ambedkar (Ambedkar: Leader for All)’, was launched on Friday was a sequel to the State conference in Vikravandi more than a month ago.

Using the stage to criticise the ruling party, the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam president said that the people of Tamil Nadu would reject the alliance and its “boastful claims” of winning 200 seats in the 2026 Assembly elections.

"This is my warning to the rulers who disregard people's feelings, who fail to ensure social justice and security, and who rely on alliances and boastful claims: the people of Tamil Nadu will nix your selfish calculations in 2026," Vijay said, addingthat relying on alliances alone would not guarantee victory.

Criticising the DMK government's handling of issues concerning social justice, security, and governance, he condemned its response to the December 2022 Vengaivayal incident, where human faeces were mixed in a water tank used by the Dalit community. "What action did the State government take? They didn't even scratch the surface. Ambedkar would have hanged his head in shame," Vijay said.

He also found fault with the government’s response to natural calamities, flaying it for allegedly using them only as photo opportunities. "I don't agree with taking photos and making statements. We must connect with people sensitively," he said.

The actor-politician emphasised the need for a people-centric government to address atrocities against women and children. "A government that truly loves its people will solve their daily problems," Vijay said.

He also touched upon the absence of Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) president Thol Thirumavalavan, who skipped the event after his participation and sharing stage with Vijay had caused considerable consternation within the DMK. Vijay alleged that Thirumavalavan’s alliance partners put him under pressure to stay away from the launch of the book on BR Ambedkar, but the VCK leader was mentally present at the event, he quipped.

Turning his attention to the Centre-ruling BJP, he slammed the Narendra Modi-led NDA government for its 'silence' over the Manipur issue. He also stressed the importance of free and fair elections, demanding consensus-based appointment of Election Commissioners. "Every Indian should have hope in fair elections," he said, and urged the Union government to declare Ambedkar's birth anniversary, April 14, as Indian Democratic Rights Day.

Earlier, Vijay released 'Ellarukkumana Thalaivar Ambedkar', which was received by Ambedkar's grandson-in-law and noted intellectual Anand Teltumbde, and retired High Court judge Justice K Chandru.

VCK deputy general secretary Aadhav Arjuna, Vikatan MD B Srinivasan, TVK general secretary N Anand, and others attended the event.