Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay launched a strong criticism of the ruling political factions in Tamil Nadu, specifically targeting the DMK and AIADMK during a recent campaign gathering in Madurantakam. Ahead of the upcoming Assembly bypoll on October 6, Vijay described the DMK, led by MK Stalin, as an “evil force.” He expressed concerns about what he perceives as a collaboration between the DMK and AIADMK, despite their historical animosities.

The need for the bypoll arose following the resignation of AIADMK MLA K Maragatham Kumaravel, who transitioned to the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK). The TVK has chosen to re-nominate Kumaravel as its candidate in Madurantakam, a move that Vijay claims emphasises the battle between the TVK and DMK. In his remarks, he questioned the AIADMK’s leadership, urging party members to reconsider their alliance with a group that past leaders MGR and Jayalalithaa had branded as a malevolent entity.

Vijay further claimed that the DMK had been an adversary for both MGR and Jayalalithaa and that this animosity continued to resonate through his campaign. His statements also targeted the language used by DMK representatives towards women, expressing displeasure at comments he deemed unacceptable, particularly those directed at his mother and women of the state. He asserted that the public was observing these remarks with interest.

Focus on Veeramani POCSO Case

A significant portion of Vijay’s discourse concentrated on the POCSO case concerning granite businessman R Veeramani. He condemned the alleged ongoing harm to children and questioned why previous governments had failed to address the issue adequately. He asserted that a complaint had been lodged during the earlier DMK administration but claimed that the case’s details had been obscured.

Vijay urged Stalin to comment on the situation, questioning the earlier DMK government’s handling of the case. The incident regarding Veeramani was officially registered in 2025 after authorities received a pen drive allegedly containing evidence of child abuse. Although the police initially sought to dismiss the case, a specialised POCSO court subsequently refused this closure and mandated further investigation, which eventually resulted in the apprehension of Veeramani and two associates.

Following Vijay’s statements, DMK chief MK Stalin denied any allegations that his administration had provided protection to Veeramani, labelling the claims as false. Stalin clarified that there had been no directives from his government aimed at shielding any individuals involved in the case, while the DMK maintained the investigation was ongoing and had not been closed under their governance.

Further Critique from Government Officials

Aadhav Arjuna, Tamil Nadu’s Minister for Public Works and Sports Development, also contributed to the discussion, questioning the motivations behind the police’s initial effort to close the Veeramani case. He noted that the FIR was filed during Stalin’s premiership and expressed curiosity about the circumstances surrounding the subsequent closure report.

Arjuna speculated whether political or familial pressure might have influenced the investigation’s trajectory and indicated that the new TVK administration was taking steps to address the issue. He conveyed that the Vijay government was committed to uncovering the truth about the alleged misconduct within the investigation.

In response to critiques regarding the youthfulness of the TVK party, Vijay acknowledged his recent entrance into politics but described the TVK as the “baby of Tamil Nadu.” He referenced the party’s approximately 35 per cent vote share during the 2026 Assembly elections and claimed that the current government is fundamentally a government of the people, pledging that all financial decisions are in service of the populace.

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