MDMK general secretary Vaiko, speaking in Chengalpattu district, launched a sharp attack on the DMK, alleging that during its rule there was only “collection, commission and corruption”. His remarks came amid an escalating war of words between the DMK and the MDMK after the latter’s recent alliance shift.
The MDMK had been part of the DMK-led alliance since 2019, but Vaiko joined the TVK alliance on June 27. Vaiko and his son Durai Vaiko have also accused the DMK of preventing two MDMK MLAs—who won on the DMK’s “Rising Sun” symbol—from resigning.
At a public awareness programme near Thiruporur on the removal of prosopis (seemai karuvel) trees, Vaiko told reporters that resigning from one party and contesting from another is accepted in a democracy and should not be termed “horse-trading”. He also said that if governance continues in the same manner, Chief Minister Vijay could remain in power not only for the next five years but for another term as well.
When journalists questioned whether it was appropriate for him—who had worked with leaders like E.V. Ramasamy, Anna and Karunanidhi—to align with a party led by Chief Minister Vijay, Vaiko became visibly angry. He alleged corruption in building approvals under the DMK and claimed those practices had been ended by Vijay, saying he had stayed silent earlier only to uphold alliance discipline.
As the questioning continued, Vaiko reportedly shouted at those asking questions to leave, following which police stepped in and calmed the situation. Later that night, Vaiko expressed regret over the incident.
