DMK leader MK Stalin criticized actor-politician Vijay over his speech in the Legislative Assembly, accusing him of turning the proceedings into a dramatic performance instead of addressing issues of public importance.
Stalin’s remarks came after Vijay, Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu and leader of Tamilaga Vetri Kazhagam (TVK), addressed the assembly drawing attention to his cinematic style and dramatic moments. During his speech, DMK members walked out but Vijay continued with his speech and later recreated a gesture linked to Stalin, which went viral.
Stalin questions Vijay’s speech
Directly criticizing the manner in which Vijay’s speech was recorded, Stalin said that the Speaker should not allow the Prime Minister’s speech to be shot like a film series without interruption from the Opposition.
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“In the Legislative Assembly, the Prime Minister made a show – hurling written slander – under the guise of replying to the Governor’s speech. It was not appropriate for the Speaker of Parliament to go out of his way to ensure that the Prime Minister’s speech was filmed in a single shot – without interruption from the Opposition – as if the live camera of the Assembly were a movie camera,” Stalin said.
Stalin claimed that Vijay’s speech focused on accusations and dramatic statements rather than providing answers to key issues.
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“The Prime Minister’s response consisted only of baseless allegations and ‘diatribes’. There were no answers regarding power outages, farmers’ issues, deteriorating law and order situation, or plans to fulfill election promises,” he said.
Criticism of farmers’ statements and ‘short story’ comments.
Stalin also criticized Vijay for claiming that the farmers’ protests were influenced by the opposition parties.
“It is condemnable that he belittled the farmers by claiming that they were protesting at the instigation of opposition parties,” Stalin said.
He also objected to Vijay’s reference to narrating a “short story” during his address to the assembly, saying it did not befit the dignity expected within the assembly.
“His chatter about telling a ‘short story’ was completely inconsistent with the dignity of the house,” Stalin added.
Vijay’s dramatic gesture became a talking point
The controversy also came after a viral moment from Vijay’s speech in the Assembly, where he sought permission from Speaker JC D Babhakar to end his speech with a dramatic hand gesture.
Vijay said the people he intended the gesture for had already withdrawn, but he asked if he could still do it. After getting permission, he smiled and made a dramatic “it’s over” gesture with his hand while the TVK members cheered.
The gesture was seen as a revival of one previously made by Stalin during political discussions earlier this year. Stalin later explained that his gesture was spontaneous, but the moment became a political meme.
Stalin asks Vijay to move beyond his actor image
In his criticism, Stalin said that Vijay should separate his film persona from his political role and act with the responsibility expected of a Prime Minister.
“The entire state of Tamil Nadu is well aware of the story about the wife searching for her husband in the Chengalpattu court. Therefore, the Chief Minister should put aside the character of @actorvijay and at least from now on, behave like @CMOTamilnadu,” Stalin said.
Vijay entered politics after launching TVK in 2024. He was last seen in films including Varisu, Leo and The Greatest of All Time, with his latest film Jana Nayagan awaiting release after a delay in certification.
