MK Stalin calls Vijay "Reels" CM, urges voters to back DMK in Dharapuram bypoll
DMK President MK Stalin launches a scathing attack on TVK leader Vijay, calling him a "Reels CM" and a villain to democracy ahead of the Dharapuram bypoll.

In a high-decibel political confrontation, DMK President MK Stalin launched a blistering attack on the ruling TVK government during a campaign rally in Dharapuram. Addressing a massive gathering ahead of the October 6 by-election, Stalin took direct aim at Chief Minister Vijay, mockingly labeling him the "Reels" Chief Minister.
Stalin, who is campaigning for the DMK candidate S Suganya, framed the upcoming vote as a battle for the very soul of democracy. He urged the electorate to provide a "fitting reply" to what he described as the arrogance of a leader who lacks genuine public support.
"A Villain to Democracy"
The DMK chief drew sharp parallels between Vijay's cinematic career and his current political persona. He noted that while Vijay recently starred in a film titled Jananayagan, his real-world political conduct suggests a different role.
"He acted in a film titled Jananayagan, but today he is acting like a villain to democracy," Stalin remarked, drawing cheers from the crowd.
Stalin further accused the TVK of being a mere extension of the BJP. He claimed that the party had essentially admitted to being a "branch" of the saffron party, a move he said he welcomed for the sake of political transparency.
Allegations of Governance Failure
The DMK leader did not mince words regarding the conduct of the Chief Minister, suggesting that his gestures and style have brought disrepute to the office. "Behave like a Chief Minister, not a ‘cheap minister’," Stalin declared, while also criticizing the TVK for operating more like a corporate entity than a political organization.
During his speech, Stalin highlighted several pressing issues facing the constituency and the state, including:
- Law and Order: Stalin alleged a terrifying rise in violence, claiming that murders are occurring in heaps and that informants reporting drug peddling are being targeted and killed.
- Economic Pressures: He pointed to rising electricity tariffs, increasing milk prices, and the overall rise in the cost of living.
- Agriculture: He criticized the government for failing to act on the Cauvery water dispute and urged officials to move beyond reading newspapers to actually assisting farmers.
- Infrastructure and Industry: Stalin alleged that significant investments intended for Tamil Nadu have been diverted to neighboring Andhra Pradesh.
The Stakes of the Dharapuram Bypoll
Stalin emphasized that the upcoming election is much larger than a single constituency. He warned voters that a victory for the ruling party could lead to further hikes in essential commodity prices, including electricity and milk.
“This by-election is not merely about Dharapuram. You have the responsibility of protecting the interests of the entire Tamil Nadu,” Stalin told the supporters, calling on them to vote for the Rising Sun symbol to ensure the victory of advocate Suganya.
The by-elections for the Dharapuram and Madurantakam assembly constituencies are scheduled for October 6, with the results set to be announced on October 9.