Chief Minister Vijay, speaking at a thanksgiving public meeting in Tiruchirappalli, took a sharp swipe at the DMK and its leadership. He said the party did not need to search outside for the reasons behind its defeat, adding that DMK workers themselves were saying the answer lay “within your family,” in an apparent message to M.K. Stalin.
In his address, Vijay thanked the people of Tamil Nadu and offered special gratitude to voters in Trichy East. Though he is referred to as the Perambur MLA under Election Commission rules, he said Trichy East remained close to his heart, describing Trichy as the “heart” of the state.
Vijay said his government had been in office only for a few weeks, but critics who had spoken of staying quiet for six months could not remain silent even for a few days. He accused opponents of complaining from the outset and said people had rejected the “two” who had alternated in power for years, choosing him as Chief Minister and “first servant.”
He also addressed remarks about his attire, defending his choice to wear a coat and suit and saying such symbols should not be reserved for those who wield power. Vijay urged critics to continue their mockery, calling it his motivation, and asserted that the political contest was essentially between the DMK and his party, with little space for others in between.
