Vijay stares down DMK, winks at VCK

Vijay stares down DMK, winks at VCK 

TVK Leader Turns Ambedkar Book Launch Into Political Stage 

TIMES NEWS NETWORK 07.12.2024

Chennai : Actor-turned-Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) president Vijay on Friday turned the launch of a book on B R Ambedkar into a political stage, attacking the BJP govt at Centre and the DMK govt in Tamil Nadu, besides making political overtures to VCK leader Thol Thirumavalavan, a DMK ally who was invited but stayed away from the event. Speaking at his first social event after TVK’s debut public meeting in Vikravandi on Oct 28, Vijay accused the Union govt of inaction on the Manipur violence and the state govt of failing to act on the Vengaivayal incident when a water tank used by dalits was contaminated with human waste. “If Ambedkar sees it today, he will hang his head in shame,” Vijay said to loud cheers from TVK cadres who had occupied much of the seats at Chennai Trade Centre. 

“A permanent solution is simple: We need to elect a govt that truly loves the people.” Calling it “anti-people”, Vijay said DMK is unable to ensure even basic social justice and security, but has expressed confidence of winning the 2026 election. 

Thiruma’s heart is here, says Vijay  The people will turn all your alliance calculations, which you have been protecting in many ways for your own selfish interests, into minuses in 2026,” Vijay said. “Thirumavalavan could not participate in the function due to pressure from the DMK alliance. But I can say that his heart is here.” The TVK founder urged Centre to appoint election commission members by consensus and declare April 14, Ambedkar’s birthday, Democratic Rights Day. He released the book ‘Ellarukkumana Thalaivar Ambedkar’ (Everyone’s Leader Ambedkar’), a compilation of articles and interviews, including one from Thirumavalavan. Anand Teltumbde, who is married to Ambedkar’s granddaughter, received the first copy, followed by former Madras high court judge Justice K Chandru. VCK deputy general secretary Aadhav Arjuna is the copublisher of the book brought out by Vikatan Group. Vijay honoured the Vengaivayal villagers who exposed the crime, and dalit teen Chinnadurai and his sister Chandraselvi, who were attacked by students of other castes, besides dalit women panchayat leaders Vidya and Shanth