Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and DMK president M.K. Stalin has launched a strong counterattack against actor-turned-politician and Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) leader Vijay, defending the DMK’s political history while accusing the state government of poor administration and broken promises.
Stalin responded to Vijay's comments on the DMK’s role in the Emergency and Stalin’s imprisonment under the Maintenance of Internal Security Act (MISA). Stalin recalled how his father and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi opposed the Emergency and criticised the MISA at a huge Marina Beach gathering.
Stalin said the Union Government dismissed the DMK government on 31 January 1976. He claimed police came to his family home to arrest him under MISA. Karunanidhi told the police initially that Stalin was away campaigning and asked that they return the following day, Stalin said.
Stalin said he returned the next day and that Karunanidhi himself called the police and asked them to arrest him. He then described the alleged hardships and violence he experienced in prison, including beatings by police and inmates.
Stalin also recalled DMK leader and former MP Chitti Babu, saying he died in prison after suffering severe beatings. Stalin said he himself suffered a broken jaw and still bears scars from that time.
Stalin, defending the DMK’s ideological heritage, told Vijay that history was not to be altered and suggested he consult records in the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly library.
Stalin Rejects Corruption Allegations
Stalin also challenged Vijay’s remarks about the Sarkaria Commission and corruption allegations involving Karunanidhi. He said governments had changed repeatedly since the commission was established and that if the allegations had been substantiated, action would have been taken.
He also criticized Vijay for referring to Enforcement Directorate cases, arguing that the agency has been used for political purposes. Stalin also pointed out that ED cases have involved leaders belonging to parties allied with Vijay.
#WATCH | DMK President MK Stalin tweets, "... Thambi Vijay, what you said is true. It is not a lie. During the Emergency, opposing it, leader Kalaignar organized a huge gathering at the Marina beach and severely criticized the MISA Act. Following that, the Union Government that… pic.twitter.com/YlXb5nTmss
— ANI (@ANI) September 10, 2026
‘Assembly is not a place for unnecessary disputes.’
Stalin urged Vijay, whom he referred to as “Thambi Vijay”, to maintain the dignity of a Chief Minister and focus Assembly discussions on law and order, welfare, Tamil Nadu’s rights and development.
He recalled meeting Vijay after the latter became Chief Minister, saying he had welcomed him despite earlier political criticism.
But Stalin then accused Vijay of turning governance into a “cinema shooting” and criticised what he described as excessive reliance on reels and photoshoots.
DMK attacks government over promises
Stalin also targeted the government over issues including the Parandur airport project, farmers’ loan waivers, LPG cylinder promises and women’s financial assistance.
He said the voters, particularly young people who wanted political change, were now assessing if the promised change had actually happened.
Despite the DMK’s electoral defeat, Stalin said his party would continue serving the people and fighting for Tamil Nadu’s interests.
“Whether we are in power or not,” he said, the DMK would continue its political struggle for the state and its people.
