Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly Speaker M Appavu has launched a fierce critique against actor-turned-politician Vijay, the chief of the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK). Appavu alleged that Vijay's foray into politics was not driven by conviction but by a "political contract" struck with Union Home Minister Amit Shah.
Speaking to reporters in Tirunelveli on Friday, Appavu asserted: "Vijay has not started his party out of his own conviction. Just as he signed contracts to act in films, he has signed an agreement with Amit Shah to act in politics. He is performing according to that deal." He added that those who orchestrated the agreement must take responsibility for whatever the outcome may be.
The Speaker directly addressed the tragic Karur stampede incident on 27 September, which claimed 41 lives, squarely blaming Vijay's delayed arrival and the resulting crowd congestion for the catastrophe.
"On a 19-foot-wide road, a 12-foot bus was parked, creating congestion," Appavu explained. Appavu further claimed that after campaigning for a mere seven minutes, Vijay "boarded a private flight and went into hiding in Panaiyur."
Appavu contrasted Vijay's reaction with that of Chief Minister MK Stalin, who, he noted, "personally rushed to Karur at midnight, consoled the bereaved families, and paid homage to the victims." Appavu alleged that Vijay only released a video message after political groups, including the RSS, publicly voiced their support for him.
Mocking the TVK chief's public persona, Appavu remarked: "At 50, Vijay himself should be called an uncle, but he keeps calling everyone 'uncle.' He is acting in politics just as he acted in cinema." Appavu warned that whether the fault for the Karur tragedy lay with Vijay or his advisers, "this government will take strict action."
The Speaker dismissed any speculation regarding secret political ties, clarifying that the ruling DMK has no hidden alliances with the actor. "We have a direct relationship with TVK. There is no need for secrecy," he added. Appavu lightened the tone momentarily by saying he "personally enjoy[s] Vijay's comedy performances," but reiterated that "politically, TVK is directly connected with DMK."
Finally, Appavu took the opportunity to thank the Sports Minister for allocating additional funds necessary to renovate the synthetic turf ground in Tirunelveli ahead of the state-level women's hockey tournament, which the Chief Minister had inaugurated.
Also read: DMK slams Vijay’s 'arrest me' remark as diversionary tactic
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