TVK Chief Vijay Condemns DMK's Alleged Vote-Buying in Salem Rally
In a fiery public address in Salem on Friday, TVK president Vijay launched a scathing attack on the ruling DMK, asserting that alliance arithmetic and cash distribution would fail to secure victory for the party in the upcoming Tamil Nadu assembly election. His remarks came hours after the state government credited ₹5,000 to beneficiaries under the Kalaignar Magalir Urimai Thittam scheme, a move he characterized as a desperate attempt to influence voters.
Vijay's Stern Warning Against Cash-for-Votes Practice
"Any dream of buying votes by giving money will not work owing to my entry," Vijay declared, directly challenging the DMK's electoral strategy. He elaborated on what he described as a long-standing deception, stating, "They will offer 1,000, 2,000 or even 5,000 and try to extract a promise from you to vote for them. That's how they have duped you all these years." In a bold piece of advice to the public, he urged, "Receive the money, but respond to them by blowing the whistle in their ears." The TVK leader emphasized that the corrupt practice of purchasing votes with cash must come to an immediate halt.
Clarifying Focus on DMK Amid Criticism
Addressing criticism that he was singling out the DMK while ignoring other political entities, Vijay offered a sharp retort. "It is the DMK that is in power. It is the DMK that is deceiving people with false promises and running an anti-people government. That is the party that must be removed," he asserted. Dismissing opposition parties he deemed irrelevant, he noted he did not wish to speak about those "deleted by the people." Using a vivid metaphor, he questioned, "When our target is the DMK, why should we throw stones at darkness?"
Framing the Election as a Moral Battle
Reiterating his earlier characterization, Vijay framed the electoral contest as a clash between the "evil force DMK" and the "pure force TVK." He posed a direct choice to the crowd, asking, "Do you trust Vijay or Stalin? That's all." He simplified the political landscape, stating, "This election is about TVK and DMK. There is no one in between." This rhetoric underscores his strategy to position the TVK as the primary alternative to the incumbent government.
Allegations of Unfair Restrictions and Governance Promises
Vijay further accused the DMK government of imposing severe and discriminatory restrictions on his public outreach programs. With a pointed jab, he remarked, "For other parties, it is standard operating procedure; for us, it is ‘Stalin operating procedure'." He stated that he had come to Salem seeking justice against these constraints. On the policy front, he promised a governance model focused on addressing basic needs, drawing inspiration from former leaders Kamaraj and MGR. "Like Kamaraj and MGR, I will deliver good governance. I will not make promises that are not feasible just to come to power," he vowed, indicating that his party's manifesto would prioritize practical and achievable goals.
Comment on DMK's Alliance Strategy
In a final critique, Vijay interpreted Chief Minister Stalin's recent rejection of power-sharing demands as a sign of panic within the DMK ranks. He alleged that for the DMK, allies are merely instrumental for winning elections, with no genuine intention to share governance responsibilities post-victory. This comment highlights the ongoing tensions and strategic calculations within Tamil Nadu's political arena as election day approaches.
