Chennai witnessed a heated political confrontation on Friday as DMK deputy general secretary A Raja launched a scathing attack on the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) for joining the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) cabinet. The verbal assault triggered a fierce backlash from VCK cadres and leaders, escalating into a war of words that continued even after Chief Minister M K Stalin intervened, urging DMK members to refrain from criticizing former allies who had joined the TVK cabinet.
The Controversy Begins
The controversy erupted when Raja posted a tweet comparing the decision of the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) and VCK to join the TVK cabinet to an “extramarital affair.” He later deleted the post and shared another message, stating that a coconut tree from his house had bent across the street to offer tender coconuts to a neighboring house. This analogy was widely interpreted as a sarcastic reference to VCK’s political alignment.
VCK’s Strong Response
VCK treasurer S S Balaji hit back strongly, questioning why some individuals felt threatened when the humble began to gain power. He asserted that such slander would not weaken VCK and that the party was refraining from responding in the same language only to maintain decorum. In a stern warning, Balaji said, “If the injustice continues and forces us to reveal the truth, you will be burned to ashes in the fire that cannot be doused.”
VCK’s official social media handle also responded sharply. Without naming either DMK or Raja, the party accused a “selfish group” of displaying arrogance after coming to power with the support of a “ladder” (IUML’s symbol) and “chiruthai” (Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi). “Your double standards — exploiting everyone for power and then slandering them when it comes to power-sharing — are known to everyone,” the statement read. VCK further emphasized that they are not a coconut tree that bends but a palm tree that grows straight, deeply rooted in ideology.
Stalin’s Intervention
Seeking to calm the escalating tensions, Chief Minister M K Stalin stated that every party has the right to decide its own political course. In a tweet, he urged DMK cadres to “avoid using harsh words that may hurt anyone.” He congratulated IUML MLA Shajahan and VCK MLA Vanni Arasu, who were sworn in as ministers earlier in the day. Stalin added that DMK would function as a responsible opposition party by appreciating the government’s good measures and constructively criticizing its shortcomings.
VCK’s Retort to Stalin’s Appeal
Retweeting Stalin’s message, the VCK handle acknowledged that the DMK high command spoke in a dignified manner but pointed out that the party’s IT wing continued to use abusive language. “VCK is not a bonded labourer. It is an independent party,” the post declared. “Those who use foul language may continue to do so. Meanwhile, the Chiruthaigal are preparing to enter Fort St George majestically,” it added, signaling their determination to assume power with dignity.
Demand for Apology
Meanwhile, TVK general secretary and minister Aadhav Arjuna demanded an apology from Raja for his “demeaning” remarks against VCK. The incident has further strained relations between the DMK and its former allies, highlighting the fragile nature of political alliances in Tamil Nadu.
