Stalin calls TVK's bypoll win an 'interim victory for betrayal', attacks Vijay's 'image politics'
DMK president M K Stalin on Friday described the ruling Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam's (TVK) victory in the Madurantakam and Dharapuram Assembly by-elections as an "interim victory for betrayal", asserting that the decline of "politics built on false images" had begun.
In a social media post reacting to the results, the former chief minister questioned the need for the bypolls barely five months after the Assembly elections, alleging that they were necessitated after two MLAs elected on AIADMK tickets vacated their seats and joined the ruling TVK.
Stalin termed the development a "blatant murder of democracy" and thanked voters who backed candidates of the DMK-led Secular Progressive Alliance, along with party cadres, alliance leaders and functionaries who campaigned in both constituencies.
Targeting Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay, Stalin alleged that the TVK relied on state power, financial resources, official machinery and police strength during the campaign while fielding the two turncoat MLAs.
He also criticised what he described as Vijay's reliance on "cinematic charisma" and "reels-style politics".
"Vijay, who became chief minister through horse-trading despite lacking a true majority, believed that reel scenes would save him in these by-elections as well," Stalin alleged.
The DMK chief referred to Vijay's four-day campaign across the constituencies, during which the chief minister was seen drinking tea, driving tractors and picking drumsticks for photo opportunities.
"A fake image constructed as Vijay will change everything in his five-minute speech was torn in four months, and he was forced to roam in the boiling heat for four days," Stalin said, urging the chief minister to understand the demands of governance, elections and public service.
Stalin further accused the TVK government of misusing its authority and violating the Model Code of Conduct. He alleged that announcements on expanding free bus travel for women and providing gold rings to newborns came after the by-election schedule was announced.
He also alleged that voters were offered money through UPI and other digital payments, along with gifts. Citing a campaign video that purportedly surfaced on the eve of polling, Stalin claimed a TVK candidate had acknowledged heavy spending.
"The TVK blackmailed voters, saying there would be no development in the constituency if the ruling party is defeated," he alleged.
Despite the results, Stalin claimed that the DMK retained public support and argued that the combined votes secured by opposition parties indicated that a majority of voters had rejected the ruling dispensation.
"The combined anti-incumbency vote is the majority. This government stands rejected once again by the majority of the people," he said.
Stalin urged the TVK government to abandon what he called horse-trading, "MLA shopping", vendetta politics and "making reels", and focus instead on public service. He said the DMK would continue to challenge the government and work to protect Tamil Nadu's interests.
