NewKerala.com

Vijay's TVK Filling AIADMK Void in Tamil Nadu Polls, Says Congress MP

Congress MP Manickam Tagore asserts that actor Vijay's Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) is taking the political space once held by the AIADMK in Tamil Nadu. He draws a parallel between Vijay and the AIADMK's foundational star, the late M.G. Ramachandran, citing their shared anti-DMK family ideology. Tagore criticizes AIADMK General Secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami as a good organizer but lacking the popularity to connect with the masses. The comments come as Tamil Nadu prepares for a three-way contest in the April 23 assembly polls.

Key Points: TVK Replacing AIADMK in Tamil Nadu, Claims Congress MP

  • TVK replacing AIADMK's political space
  • Vijay's popularity key factor
  • AIADMK lacks popular leader
  • Alliance credibility damaged
3 min read

Tamil Nadu Assembly polls: "TVK is taking the place of AIADMK," says Congress MP Manickam Tagore

Congress MP Manickam Tagore says Vijay's TVK is occupying AIADMK's political space with similar anti-DMK ideology, ahead of April 23 polls.

"The space of AIADMK is occupied by TVK. - Manickam Tagore"

New Delhi, March 28

Ahead of Tamil Nadu assembly polls next month, Congress MP Manickam Tagore said the actor-turned-politician Vijay-led Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam is taking the space of All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam in the southern state.

Speaking in an interview with ANI, Tagore said that the legendary Tamil star and ex-Chief Minister M G Ramachandran was the "basic mantra" of AIADMK. He said late MGR used to talk against the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) family, and TVK represent the "same ideology".

"The space of AIADMK is occupied by TVK. What was the basic mantra of AIADMK? There was a popular star, MG Ramachandran. That star used to talk against DMK. He used to talk about the family of DMK and everything else. And TVK represent the same ideology. That's why both parties look similar," he said.

He claimed that the TVK speaks the "same language" with Vijay as a young actor who is using his "popularity" for the benefit of the party.

"TVK also speaks the same language. TVK is taking the place of AIADMK. It's replacing the strength of AIADMK. How did the socialists occupy the space of Janata Dal? The same transition is happening in Tamil Nadu ... with a young popular actor, Vijay. With his popularity, (AIADMK) is being replaced," he added.

Further, he emphasised that AIADMK General Secretary Edapaddi K Palaniswami is a good organiser but lacks popularity, and hence he is not able to connect with the people.

"It means that AIADMK has no popular leader. Edapaddi K Palaniswami is a good organiser. But he is not a popular leader. He is not an imaginative leader. He is not able to connect with the masses. He is with his party structure. He is with his caste but unable to become Pan-Tamil Nadu leader," he said.

The Congress MP noted that the AIADMK lost credibility when they contested the 2024 elections separately, but returned to the Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) within a year.

"Their credibility became a big hit. In 2021, they said that from 2024, they will not go with the BJP. And during the 2024 elections, they fought separately. But after that, within one year, they had to take a U-turn. They had to go with the BJP again," he added.

Tamil Nadu will go to the polls in a single phase on April 23, with counting scheduled for May 4.

The main electoral contest is expected between the DMK-led Secular Progressive Alliance (SPA), which includes Congress, DMDK, and the VCK, and the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), led by AIADMK with the BJP and Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK) as allies. Actor-turned-politician Vijay-led TVK is attempting to turn the state elections into a three-way contest.

- ANI

Share this article:

Reader Comments

P
Priya S
As a Tamilian, I'm tired of this actor-politician cycle. MGR, then Jayalalithaa, now Vijay? We need leaders with strong policy vision, not just screen popularity. Hope voters think beyond fan clubs this time. 🤞
A
Aman W
The real issue is AIADMK's flip-flop with BJP. They lost credibility big time. One minute they're against them, next minute they're allies. No wonder their space is up for grabs. TVK is filling that vacuum of a strong Tamil-centric opposition to DMK.
S
Sarah B
Interesting analysis. It shows how regional politics in India is so personality-driven. The comparison to socialist parties replacing Janata Dal is apt. A three-way contest will be fascinating to watch!
K
Karthik V
Vijay Anna has been preparing for this for years. His social work, especially during the floods, won many hearts. He's not just an actor; he understands the pulse of the common people. TVK might just be the fresh change we need.
N
Nikhil C
While I respect MP Tagore's view, I think it's too early to write off AIADMK. They have a strong organizational base across the state. Alliances matter more in TN elections. Let's see how the seat-sharing plays out. The BJP factor will be crucial.
M

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50