MK Stalin calls Vijay a ‘reels’ CM:Seeks votes for DMK in Dharapuram bypoll; voting on 6 October

Former Tamil Nadu chief minister and DMK president MK Stalin called Vijay a ‘Reels’ chief minister. He sought votes for DMK candidate S. Suganya in the Dharapuram by-election. Stalin addressed an election rally in Dharapuram on Friday. He appealed to people to vote for the DMK’s ‘rising sun’ election symbol on 6 October. He said the vote would be an appropriate response to the arrogance of a ‘Reels chief minister who does not have majority support’. By-elections will be held in the Dharapuram and Madurantakam Assembly constituencies on 6 October. The votes will be counted on 9 October. Stalin shared a glimpse of his Dharapuram rally on X. He wrote, “Vote for the rising sun election symbol on 6 October to protect Dharapuram’s honour. Ensure the victory of our sister, advocate Suganya.” He said, “I have not come here merely to seek votes. I have come to seek justice.” Targeting Vijay Stalin referred to Vijay’s previous film, ‘Jananayagan’. He said, “He acted in a film called Jananayagan, but today he is behaving like a villain of democracy.” He alleged that TVK had acknowledged its political proximity to the BJP. Stalin said, “They have accepted that they are a branch of the BJP. They admitted that TVK is merely a branch of the BJP. I am glad that they spoke this truth.” Stalin criticised Vijay’s political style. He alleged that Vijay’s gestures had diminished the dignity of the Legislative Assembly. He said, “Behave like a Chief Minister, not a ‘cheap minister’.” Stalin also accused TVK of functioning like a corporate organisation rather than a political party. Questions raised over the government’s functioning Stalin alleged that government employees from various departments were staging protests. He also claimed that people in several areas were facing prolonged power cuts. He also targeted the state government over electricity tariffs and rising prices. He criticised the government over the Cauvery water dispute with Karnataka as well. Stalin said, “Instead of merely reading newspapers, take action and do something beneficial for farmers.” Allegations over law and order Regarding law and order, Stalin alleged that the government had failed to stop the sale of drugs. He also referred to figures related to murders. He questioned the status of the government’s ‘Singappen’ initiative. Stalin alleged that when questions are raised about law and order, ministers are made to respond. He said, “If you open the news, you will see five murders or eight murders in a single day. People are being hacked to death in groups.” He further said, “If someone gives the police information about drugs, the informant is murdered. No action is taken against those selling drugs.” Stalin also alleged that the investment earmarked for Tamil Nadu had gone to neighbouring Andhra Pradesh. Reference to Dharapuram and DMK schemes Stalin referred to the beauty of the Amaravathi River in Dharapuram and the town’s historical importance. He said the area was known for sending high-quality paddy seeds to other regions. He said people in the Dharapuram Assembly constituency were actively involved in agricultural activities. Stalin listed the welfare schemes introduced by his government in the past. He said his government had launched schemes that benefited every family. He said Tamil Nadu was the first state in the country to introduce free bus travel for women. He said ₹87 crore had been allocated for industrial development in Dharapuram. Stalin alleged that some works were being carried out even before tenders were issued. He also referred to the expenditure incurred on releasing water from the Mettur Reservoir. He claimed that if the ruling party wins the by-election, electricity bills and milk prices could rise. Stalin said, “This by-election is not just about Dharapuram. You have a responsibility to protect the interests of the whole of Tamil Nadu.” ​