In a sharp political attack, Naam Tamilar Katchi (NTK) chief coordinator Seeman on Saturday belittled the large gatherings seen at public meetings of popular actor and Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) president Vijay. Speaking at his party's general council meeting in Chennai, Seeman drew an analogy to question the electoral significance of such crowds.
"Crowds Don't Win Elections": Seeman's Jibe at Vijay
Seeman pointedly remarked that crowds also assemble when a film actress visits a location, but that does not translate into electoral victory. He further escalated his criticism by alleging that the crowds amassing for Vijay have now begun attacking and even biting people, though he did not provide specific details or evidence for this claim. His comments represent a direct challenge to the burgeoning political influence of the actor-politician, whose entry has stirred the state's political landscape.
Defining the 2026 Political Battle: Dravidians vs Tamils
Moving beyond the personal attack, Seeman used the platform to frame the narrative for the upcoming 2026 Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly election. He characterized the contest as a fundamental ideological battle. "We have Dravidians on one side and Tamils on the other," he declared, drawing a clear line between the established Dravidian political ideology and his party's Tamil nationalist stance.
In a statement aimed at clarifying his voter base, Seeman explicitly said that followers of Periyar's Dravidian philosophy need not vote for him. "Only those who say they are Tamils can vote for me," he asserted, reinforcing his party's core identity politics centered on Tamil nationalism.
Dismissing Allegations from VCK and BJP-RSS Links
The NTK leader also addressed criticism from other political quarters. He dismissed remarks from Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) leader Thol. Thirumavalavan, who had previously labeled Seeman and Vijay as "children of BJP and RSS." Seeman revealed that Thirumavalavan has consistently called NTK members "spurious Tamil nationalists," and stated that he pays no heed to what the VCK leader says.
This exchange highlights the ongoing political friction and the complex realignments occurring within Tamil Nadu's opposition space, especially with the entry of a major celebrity figure like Vijay. Seeman's forceful rhetoric underscores his attempt to position NTK as the sole authentic voice of Tamil nationalism ahead of the crucial state polls.
