In a sharp political rebuke, Tamil Nadu's Minister for Minerals and Mines, S Regupathy, dismissed actor-politician Vijay's chief ministerial aspirations as a mere "cinematic performance." The criticism came on Saturday in response to Vijay's recent comments labeling the ruling DMK as an "evil force."
Regupathy's Retort to 'Evil Force' Remark
While speaking to reporters in Pudukottai, Minister Regupathy addressed Vijay's statements made during a campaign in Erode. He asserted that the DMK was unfazed by being called an "evil force" or a "clean force," as the party's true driver is the "people's force." Regupathy accused Vijay of failing to grasp this fundamental concept of people's power, suggesting his rhetoric was crafted for dramatic effect rather than political substance. "In a cinematic fashion, he spoke about evil force and clean force," the minister remarked.
'Six Months of Acting' Won't Make a CM
The minister further targeted Vijay's perceived haste in aiming for the state's top post. Commenting on Vijay's alignment with Dravidian icons like Periyar, Regupathy acknowledged the embrace of the ideology but starkly contrasted the paths to power. "It is understood that he has embraced the Dravidian ideology. But to become chief minister after six months of 'acting' before elections will happen only in films, not politics," he stated, emphasising that real political credibility requires more than a short campaign period.
The MGR Comparison: A Bridge Too Far
Regupathy explicitly rejected any parallels between Vijay and the legendary actor-turned-chief minister M.G. Ramachandran (MGR). He highlighted MGR's long political groundwork, noting that MGR founded his party in 1962 and secured a victory in the Dindigul byelection. In contrast, he pointed out that Vijay's Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) had opportunities to prove its mettle in recent by-elections in Vikravandi and Erode but chose not to contest. "By staying away from contesting both, he has lost the standing to make such a claim," Regupathy concluded, questioning the fledgling party's commitment to electoral battle.
The minister's comments underscore the escalating political tensions in Tamil Nadu as new parties like TVK seek to challenge the established Dravidian majors. By invoking MGR's legacy and dismissing Vijay's approach as superficial, Regupathy's attack frames the upcoming political battle as one between seasoned governance and cinematic ambition.
